ADAM GESJORSKYJ
M u s i c f o r C a t h o l i c W e d d i n g C e r e m o n i e s
Music is a significant part of Catholic wedding ceremonies. When the celebration includes Mass, a cantor must be present to lead the assembly. Adam is frequently joined by accomplished vocalist Bethany Jones for these liturgical celebrations. Adam and Bethany are very familiar with the music found in current Catholic hymnals and offer many years of expeireince in liturgicul music ministry. Your parish likely offers a guide to help you choose the music for your wedding. When considering music outside of this document's recommendations, be sure to consult with your parish priest to confirm its appropriateness. The following outline describes the parts of the celebration during which music is appropriate, along with some suggested pieces for each.
Pre-Ceremony
A variety of classical guitar repertoire is perfect for welcoming guests to the church. Selections for steel string acoustic guitar can also provide a beautiful musical backdrop as friends and family arrive and are seated. If a vocalist is present, music for voice and guitar can be included at this time.
Liturgy of the Word
For the following songs, a cantor leads the assembly.
Responsorial Psalm
Suggested Pieces:
Gospel Acclamation
Suggested Pieces:
Alleluia
Celtic Alleluia
May Your Love Be Upon Us, O Lord (Psalm 33)
The Lord Is Compassion And Love (Psalm 103)
Liturgy of the Eucharist
For the following songs, a cantor leads the assembly.
Preparation of the Gifts
Suggested Piece:
Gift Of Finest Wheat (You Satisfy The Hungry Heart)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Memorial Acclamation
Amen
Lamb Of God
Suggested Setting:
Geoffrey S. Angeles
Communion
Suggested Piece:
Taste And See
Signing of the Register
One or two pieces of music are usually played during the signing of the register. Both instrumental and vocal music is suitable for this part of the ceremony.
Pavane (Gabriel Fauré)
El Noy De La Mare (Miguel Llobet)
Ave Maria (Johann Sbastian Bach / Charles Gounod)
Ave Maria (Franz Schubert)
Suggested Pieces (click the play button to hear a sample):
Trumpet Voluntary (Jeremiah Clarke)
Kemp's Jig (Anonymous)
My Lady Hunssdon's Allemande (John Dowland)
Recessional
A cheerful piece of music traditionally marks the conlcusion of the wedding ceremony. Often instrumental, this selection accompanies the wedding party and guests as they exit.
Suggested Pieces (click the play button to hear a sample):
Processional
Often an instrumental piece, the processional music opens the celebration and prepares the assembly for the ceremony. A slow or moderate tempo is ideal to accompany the procession of the wedding party.
Canon In D (Johann Pachelbel)
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring (Johann Sebastian Bach)
Preulde from Cello Suite No. 1 (Johann Sebastian Bach)
Storybook Love: Theme from The Princess Bride (Mark Knopfler)
Suggested Pieces (click the play button to hear a sample):