Beethoven Opus 109, theme from third movement, for bride walking down the aisle?

[thalberg]

I have a friend who is getting married.......


Could you see a bride walking down the aisle to this theme?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRMh7ohLqow

I was thinking it would be sort of nice.......but I played it for a non-musician and she said it sounded "too sad."  I'm always surprised by non-musicians' perspectives.

Anyone else with any other ideas that are not overused?

[thierry13]

I think it's a bit too ... serene and pure. Marriage is supposed to be great joy, a bit more excited and powerful I guess. This sonata is one of my favorites by Beethoven, and this movement is one of my favorites ever too. But I don't think it would fit really well for a marriage lol.

[gerry]

Judging by the success rate of many marriages today, perhaps the Maestoso andante from Op 26 would be more appropriate

Seriously, I agree with thierry, it's just too solemn. There must be a suitable substitute for "Here comes the bride, big fat and wide..." but I can't think of one right now. You're toying with tradition here and trying to be clever and unique might seem pretentious to some.

[thalberg]

Perhaps you are right.  I am simply trying to think of something other than the standard fare.  Ideas are welcome.  If all else fails, there's always the Clarke Trumpet Voluntary haha......great piece even if it's a little too popular ever since Princess Dianna used it.

[pianowolfi]

As i see this whole sonata as having to do with love and with Beethoven's "Immortal beloved" I would say it's a good choice, but of course, always when you play "slow" some non musicians claim that it's sad. Ask the bride.

[thalberg]

As i see this whole sonata as having to do with love and with Beethoven's "Immortal beloved" I would say it's a good choice, but of course, always when you play "slow" some non musicians claim that it's sad. Ask the bride.

Yes, that is exactly what I heard in this music--I heard it as very loving, and that is why I thought it might be nice.  And in terms of the tempo, I thought it would work well because it is at about the same pace a bride would walk down the aisle. 

But most of the audience will be non-musicians, so if they think it is sad then that's a problem......but I will play it for the bride and see if she likes it.

[gerry]

Please note - I said "solemn" not sad (there's a difference). Also, although I have nothing against departure from tradition, this is when there is customarily a fanfare and announcement that brings people to their feet as the bride appears. Sort of comes down to what kind of mood you want to create among the guests.

[thalberg]

Please note - I said "solemn" not sad (there's a difference). Also, although I have nothing against departure from tradition, this is when there is customarily a fanfare and announcement that brings people to their feet as the bride appears. Sort of comes down to what kind of mood you want to create among the guests.

Yes, you did say solemn.  But I wrote "sad" because that is what the non-musicians in my ken have been saying.  I don't know why I always want to be original....  it can be a fault sometimes.

[gerry]

I don't know why I always want to be original....  it can be a fault sometimes.

Tough to do nowadays what with "weddings" taking place underwater in scuba gear, or while skydiving, etc. Good luck!

[Essyne]

Have you presented it to the bride yet?

We all know that the wedding IS about her, anyways. . . .