Classic or modern, simple or sumptuous: can’t decide on the perfect soundtrack for your wedding to make the big day even more special? Fear not, Halidon is here to help you with a selection of classical music to celebrate your love!
Are you looking to give your most beautiful day a fairy-tale atmosphere? Thanks to its timeless charm, classical music is the ideal accompaniment for any type of wedding ceremony and reception. Solemn, poignant and festive, these ten pieces will make your “Yes, I do” simply unforgettable!
- Johann Pachelbel, Canon and Gigue in D Major, P. 37: I. Canon
Perhaps the best-known piece from the Baroque period and a staple at weddings, Johann Pachelbel's “Canon" is the perfect choice for a classic ceremony. In fact, it is believed that it was written precisely for the wedding of composer Johann Sebastian Bach in 1694!
- Franz Schubert, Ave Maria, D. 839
Did you know? Ave Maria is not the original title of this magnificent work by Romantic composer Franz Schubert! The piece is the third out of seven songs inspired by the poem “The Lady of the Lake” by Scottish writer Walter Scott. In the poem, Ellen, the protagonist, asks the Virgin Mary for help, and her prayer has become famous as Ave Maria.
- Claude Debussy, Suite bergamasque, L. 75: No. 3, Clair de Lune
Are you holding a wedding in the "moonlight"? You can’t go wrong with this piece by Claude Debussy! Calm and peaceful, it is the ideal soundtrack for a simple and intimate ceremony.
- George Frideric Handel, Solomon, HWV 67: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
Nothing says “celebration” more than this instrumental piece, part of composer George Frideric Handel's oratorio! A rich orchestra of strings, bassoons, horns and trumpets takes the scene and the result is simply brilliant!
- Antonio Vivaldi, The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4, RV 297 "Winter": II. Largo
“We spend quiet, contented days by the fire while outside hundreds are drenched by freezing rain”
Are you planning a winter wedding? We’ve got you! In this piece, an enchanted melody describes the heart-warming moment when the landscape comes into view from inside a warm and cosy house and the atmosphere turns magical.
- Christoph Willibald Gluck, Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30: "Dance of the Blessed Spirits"
This solo symbolises the chant of the Blessed Spirits who dwell in the Elysian Fields; a sweet melody, accompanied by a flute guarantees a fairy-tale atmosphere!
- Edward Elgar, Salut d'amour, Op. 12
Did you know? This poignant piece for violin and piano is a love letter from composer Edward Elgar to his wife, Caroline Alice. However, the dedication is in French and reads "à Carice", the combination of the woman’s first and second name, later chosen by the couple as the name of their daughter!
- Musik zu Ein Sommernachtstraum in C Major, Op. 61, MWV M13: VII. Hochzeitsmarsch. Allegro Vivace
“Tan, taan, ta-taaan” … Even if you are not familiar with the title, we are pretty sure that you have heard this famous melody before! Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" is commonly associated with the bride entering the church on her wedding day. It was first used in 1847, but its real popularity came with the wedding of Princess Victoria of the United Kingdom and Frederick William IV of Prussia about ten years later. Since then, the march has become a "must" at wedding ceremonies, a title it still holds today. Walking down the aisle to it, you will feel like a princess from an enchanted kingdom! - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492: Overture
Are you looking for a soundtrack to create a cheerful atmosphere? Sumptuous and full of energy, the Overture of “The Marriage of Figaro” (“Le Nozze di Figaro” in Italian) is the perfect choice!
- Johann Sebastian Bach, Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. Prélude
Did you know? Prior to the composition of this piece, the cello was considered a purely accompanying instrument. But what other timbre could have brought out the many emotions of this melody? For couples who think out of the box!
Are you still looking for the right song to make you say: "Yes, I do"? In this article, we retraced the history of some of the most famous pieces of classical music traditionally associated with wedding ceremonies. However, the list is still long: to complete the soundtrack of your most beautiful day, we have created two compilations full of suggestions and ideas for future married couples. Let yourself be inspired by the "Classical Music for Weddings" and "Wedding Classical Music" collections, or get in touch with us to request a playlist specifically tailored to your wedding. We will be happy to create original arrangements and songs for a truly unforgettable ceremony. If what you need is the perfect soundtrack for your wedding video, visit our Licensing platform or contact us for more information. Our team of music experts can’t wait to help you find the perfect song to turn your best memories into something out of a movie!