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Wedding Planning > Wedding
Music
Music For
The Soul...
The Celtic Harp
(Continued)
What type of music that is best
suited for the harp?
The celtic harp is the historic predecessor to the modern
orchestra harp. It was most popular during the Renaissance period. Its popularity spanned
throughout England and the celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, where it is
still popular. In the U.S., the celtic harp has seen an increase in popularity through
Renaissance fairs, Broadway shows ("Riverdance") and the soundtrack to Mel
Gibson’s movie "Braveheart".
All kinds of music can be played on the Celtic Harp from
the traditional wedding music ("Here Comes the Bride" and "Canon in
D"); classical music, holiday music and even modern popular music; tunes by George
Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the always popular Disney
tunes.
Are you seeing any new trends in
ceremony music today?
Here at Lake Tahoe, a most beautiful site for destination
weddings, couples come from many different walks of life to get married. Their musical
tastes reflect this diversity, however some trends have emerged.
Many couples elect to build their ceremony music around a
theme. One lovely example of a popular musical theme is selecting music from Andrew Lloyd
Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, where the bridesmaids walk down to "Music of the
Night", the bride enters to "All I Ask of You", and the newlyweds exit to
"Angel of Music".
Other musical themes have been built around love songs by
the Beatles, music from recent movies, traditional Irish airs, music by a particular
classical composer, new age music by Enya, George Gershwin’s music, and even Motown
hits. And I have lost count of the number of Disney musical theme weddings I’ve
performed, where the current favorite is "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", and
the all-time favorite is "When You Wish Upon a Star".
There is one other trend I’ve come across
- couples
are requesting celtic harp music behind the exchange of vows or during the entire ceremony
(not just during communion or behind the lighting of the unity candle). Some couples feel
the harp music relaxes them during the ceremony, and others say they want to hear as much
of the harp as possible. Regardless of the reason, celtic harp music adds an elegant touch
to the ceremony. (Couples who are interested in using music during their ceremony need to
clear this with their Officiant first, before making selections.)
Tell us why you love the harp.
Why do I love the harp? The music from this instrument
stirs my spirit, and the spirit of listeners. It's reflected in their faces. When I arrive
at a wedding, people may be anxious. But as soon as they hear the celtic harp, their
facial expressions soften. It's not just harp music, it's heart music. And I love
performing at weddings. Where else is music for the heart more appropriate?
As a musician, I could concentrate my efforts on making
recordings or traveling around performing on stage. But the memory of recordings or
performances will fade from the listener as time moves on. By contrast, couples always
remember their weddings, and the music will withstand the years in their memories. I am
very grateful to be a part of people's wedding memories.
For more information about Anne Roos and the Celtic Harp
visit her WEB SITE site.
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