Music and the Royal Wedding

As with the design of the wedding dress, just what music will be played at the wedding of Miss Catherine Middleton and HRH Prince William of Wales is being kept on the quiet until the day itself. The London Chamber Orchestra, two choirs, and two fanfare teams will be involved, and an original fanfare will be played after the ceremony as the couple signs the wedding register. Other than that, word is that there will be newly commissioned pieces as well as familiar hymns, all chosen by William and Catherine themselves.

What do you think? Elgar, Purcell, John Rutter, something else entirely? Princess Diana’s choice for her wedding hymn, I Vow to Thee My Country? Music that references the couple’s time together in Scotland? Traditional Anglican hymns are likely to be included, and, since the 1860s. that has encompassed a wide range of music.

In any case, if you like what you hear. music as recorded during the service will be available both digitally and on disc beginning just a few days after the service,. It is the first time music from a royal wedding is being offered digitally, and the CD is said to come with a souvenir booklet.

two songs that may not be on William and Catherine’s playlist (but then again...)
but go well with the wedding spirit

White Dress by Cathie Ryan

Wedding Dress by T with the Maggies

update: here is a list of the music which was played at the royal wedding service. It did, in fact, include Elgar and a newly commissioned piece by John Rutter, which was a wedding gift to the couple from Westminster Abbey. more thoughts on this music to come. meanwhile, you may order the official recording of the music The Royal Wedding: The Official Album


you may also wish to see

Music Road: from Donegal: T with the Maggies
Music Road: Cathie Ryan: Songwriter
Official Royal Wedding site

photographs of William and Catherine courtesy of Clarence House