This page is intended as an introduction to wedding music selection for services in Christ Chapel, and I genuinely hope that it can assist you in some way with your planning. What follows is a general service outline along with a general repertoire list with both well-known and lesser-known titles. Most works are available commercially through amazon.com or iTunes, and additional recordings are also likely available on YouTube. All of the pieces below, even if not composed for organ, are readily adaptable for organ performance; additionally, most pieces can be adjusted for duration, depending on the size of the wedding party and format of the processional or recessional.

Please know that I am more than willing to assist you in finding the appropriate music for the liturgy you are planning in consultation with the College chaplains or another minister. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any additional assistance!

Most sincerely,

Chad Fothergill

Cantor, Christ Chapel

The Service

The following portions of the wedding liturgy may include music:

1. ‣Prelude: a number of pieces can be played for the prelude: the total duration depends on your wishes, but 20–30 minutes is not uncommon
   

2. ‣Seating of Parents, Grandparents, or other Honored Guests
   

3. ‣Processional: the same work or different pieces may be used for the entrance of the wedding party and the bride
   

4. ‣Liturgy, Hymns, and Psalms
   

5. ‣Lighting of Unity Candle
   

6. ‣Presentation of Gifts
   

7. ‣Recessional
   

8. ‣Postlude
   

Repertoire

Quieter, Reflective Works

1. ‣Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685–1750: “Air” from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major
   

2. ‣Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685–1750: “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” from Cantata No. 147
   

3. ‣George Frederic Handel, 1685–1759: “Air” from The Water Music Suite
   

4. ‣Jean Langlais, 1907–1991: Chant de Paix (Song of Peace)
   

5. ‣Franz Liszt, 1811–1886: Ave Maria d’Arcadelt
   

6. ‣Dan Locklair, b. 1949: “The Peace May Be Exchanged” from Rubrics: A Liturgical Suite for Organ
   

7. ‣Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, 1809–1847: “Adagio” from Sonata I in F minor, Op. 65.1
   

8. ‣Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, 1809–1847: “Andante tranquillo” from Sonata III in A Major, Op. 65.3
   

9. ‣Louis Vierne, 1870–1937: Selections from 24 pièces en style libre
   

Festive, Extroverted Works

1. ‣Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685–1750: Pièce d’Orgue, BWV 572
   

2. ‣Dieterich Buxtehude, ca. 1637–1707: Praeludium in C Major, BuxWV 137
   

3. ‣Dieterich Buxtehude, ca. 1637–1707: Praeludium in D Major, BuxWV 139
   

4. ‣André Campra, 1660–1744: Rigaudon
   

5. ‣George Frederic Handel, 1685–1759: “Hornpipe” from The Water Music Suite
   

6. ‣Dan Locklair, b. 1949: “... Hallelujah Has Been Restored ...” from Rubrics: A Liturgical Suite for Organ
   

7. ‣Benedetto Marcello, 1686–1739: Psalm 19, “The Heavens are Telling the Glory of God”
   

8. ‣Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, 1809–1847: “Allegro maestoso e vivace” and “Fugue” from Sonata II in C minor, Op. 65.2
   

Common Processionals and Recessionals

1. ‣Marc-Antoine Charpentier, 1634–1704: Prélude from the Te Deum
   

2. ‣Jeremiah Clarke, 1674–1707: The Prince of Denmark’s March
   

3. ‣Johann Pachelbel, 1653–1706: Ciaccona in D Major [Canon in D]
   

4. ‣Henry Purcell, 1659–1695: Trumpet Tune in D Major
   

5. ‣John Stanley, 1713–1786: Trumpet Voluntary in D Major
   

Hymn-Based Music and Chorale Settings

1. ‣Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685–1750: Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 654 (“Soul, adorn thyself with gladness”)
   

2. ‣Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685–1750: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645 (“Sleepers, Wake!”
   

3. ‣Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685–1750: Nun danket alle Gott, BWV 79 (“Now Thank We All Our God”)
   

4. ‣Johannes Brahms, 1833–1897: Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, Op. 122.5 (“Soul, adorn thyself with gladness”)
   

5. ‣Dieterich Buxtehude, ca. 1637–1707: Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren, BuxWV 212, 213, 214 (“My soul, now praise your maker”)
   

6. ‣Dieterich Buxtehude, ca. 1637–1707: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, BuxWV 223 (“How beautifully shines the Morning Star”)
   

7. ‣Charles Ore, b. 1936: Schönster, Herr Jesu (“Beautiful Savior”)
   

8. ‣Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872–1958: Prelude on the Welsh Hymn Tune “Rhosymedre”
   

Last Revised: June 2011