Wedding programe!?

[onwan]

Hi, guys!
Today I was offered playing on wedding. The wedding is in June, so I have 3 months to get ready. The only problem is, that my repertoire is really small about 20-30 minutes. I would play some easier slower pieces, that could sound only like a shadow. I'm asking you here, If it is posible to learn about 1 hour of pieces in three months? The programe has to be long about 1 and half hour-2 hours. Do you know about some pieces that could fit to wedding and I could handle them?
My idea for what I could learn is: Chopin: some easy preludes:4, 6, 7.15, ,mazurkas:Op6-1,2,Op.7-1, nocturne Op.55 no.1, valses: Op.34 no.2, Op.64 no.2, Op.69 no.2.
If you know about any easier composition I could play there, please, tell me!

[birba]

I assume you're talking about the reception.  After the first half-hour you can just repeat your programme.   They'll be so bombed by that time they won't even know the difference.  Or buy an easy pop collection and just read through it.

[iratior]

A very good piece for a wedding would be the Haydn 50th piano sonata in C major.   I thnk it was originally written for a wedding, actually.   I think it's worthwhile to try to get Haydn played more often.

[maitea]

I agree, you can repeat pieces!!!! they won't (most of them at least) be listening to the piano! Try Satie gymnopedies for example! But actually as long as it sounds beautiful you can pay anything you like! Buy some of the grade 5 or 6 books for piano students, you'll find gems that are easy to play! And I wouldn't underestimate having handy a popular compilation of film tunes. They will love it! Some jazz type pieces would add to! As long as you are relaxed and it sounds nice, they won't mind! Don't try to learn too hard pieces (unless you really want to). Enjoy!

[gravecembalo]

During the time before the ceremony I remember I played these:

• Aria from Goldberg variations - Bach
• 2th movement of oboe concerto - Marcello (Bach transcription)
• Largo from Xerxes - Haendel
• Lascia ch'io pianga from Rinaldo - Haendel
• 2nd movement from Concerto per Clavicembalo BWV 1056 - Bach

If the boyfriends don't like the weeding marchs (by Mendelsohn & Wagner), in the beginning I used to play the introduction of the Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky. And at he end, the Hallelujah from the Messiah by Haendel.

Hope this helps... 

[iansinclair]

I have been sort of staying out of this one -- and rather hoping that you were referring to incidental music, such as the reception.

However.

If you are also going to play the service music, and if the wedding is to be in a Christian setting...

First, consult with the presiding priest or pastor or minister; they may have some thoughts on appropriate -- or inappropriate -- music.

Second, as a former Minister of Music (now retired, thank goodness), may I suggest that if there is a Minister of Music in the church, or an organist, that you clear playing the service music with them.  I never had a problem saying something to the effect of "sure, go ahead", but I always appreciated being asked (to put it mildly).  I might add that it is customary to give the Minister of Music a gratuity in an appropriate amount, if he or she is involved in the ceremony -- and if not, perhaps a small contribution to the church's organ or choir fund might not be amiss (sorry to sound crass and commercial, but we like to eat, too).

Third, I would avoid the "traditional" wedding marches like the plague (in fact, I refused, point blank, to play them).  Why?  May I remind you that the Mendelssohn is part of the incidental music to "A Midsummer's Night Dream" and refers to a marriage which takes place only as a dream.  May I also remind you that the march from "Lohengrin" refers to a marriage which is doomed before the presumably happy couple ever takes the vows.  Neither is what I would call a good start for a marriage.  A bit of musical education here can go a long way.

Sorry to sound like a grumpy old man here...