Classical Wedding Music

[alsmith]

We're in the process of drafting a wedding music policy. The committee's primary message is: no secular/popular music. The idea is to have scripture-based music. Although I don't like Endless Love and Theme from Ice Castles any more than the rest of the group, there seems to bethe belief in the committee that classical (and classical-sounding) music is all scripture-based. I think all of us would agree that Gordon Young's Prelude in Classic Style, for example, is a nice piece (say for a recessional), but certainly isn't scripture-based.I think it's dangerous to pretend thateverything classical-sounding is scripture-based. Said another way, who's to say that Endless Love isn't appropriate while Prelude in Classic Style is? Am I making sense? I fear being labeled a "Classical Music Snob"!</P>


I am curious how others have dealt with the semantics of wording a policy that has solid logic behind it. Does such a policy even exist? My feeling is that banning certain genres of music is (in most cases) unfair and incredibly difficult to consistently enforce.</P>

[NYCFarmboy]

I love schmaltz at weddings...

my fav is "The Wedding Song"...

and there is love in the beginning...... etc

;)

'Feelings' etc ;) all good

lol

[Menschenstimme]

Dear AlSmith,</P>


Might it be possible to just say "no secular/popular music" and leave it at that? Unless your committee literally wants only scripturally-based exclusively at weddings(?). These are really two different issues.</P>


I will share an experience which may or may not be relevant: Once I was practicing Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor in the church (RC) and our very conservative pastor commented that he liked that piece. I said: "Thank you Father, I realize that it is not very liturgical." Pastor's response: "Oh that's alright, we will make it liturgical."</P>


P.S.: By the way, if you do not mind my asking, what denomination is the committee in question? Thanks!</P>

[alsmith]

Methodist. Sorry, I should have stated that in the original post.

[alsmith]

Might it be possible to just say "no secular/popular music" and leave it at that? Unless your committee literally wants only scripturally-based exclusively at weddings(?). These are really two different issues.</P>


My point exactly. I wouldprefer tosay "No popular music" rather than try to imply that everything classical is scripture-based.</P>


Take this example,</P>


http://www.mtolivet.org/music_sound.html</P>


I'm not trying to bash this church, but certainly not all of the options listed are scripture-based. If Theme from Ice Castles holds a special meaning to someone, then how is that somehow worse than Purcell's Trumpet Tune?</P>

[ReedGuy]

My previous position had a wedding policy in effect. It basically stated that popular music was not permitted. I was also asked to provide a list of music as examples of what would be appropriate for different parts of the ceremony. At my present post, there is no official policy on wedding music, the minister basically leaves the decision up to me. In your situation, I would simply state that the use of popular/secular music is not permitted. </P>


I would agree that it would be incorrect to assume that all classical music is scripture based. </P>


Anyway, that's my two cents worth! </P>