Chanson de Matin by Edward Elgar (1857 - 1934) (C)

A short composition of 1899, originally for violin and piano

Duration
approx 3 minutes

Forces required:
Organ

Toccata in d minor BWV 565 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) (C)

The opening movement of the much longer Toccata and Fugue in d minor BWV 565, this is probably the most famous piece of organ music. It is not especially suitable for weddings, except those with a gothic theme, but it is often requested. Rather intriguingly, this most famous piece of organ music by J S Bach is now though to be not originally by Bach, not for the organ (but for the violin) and not in d minor. It's still a great piece, though.

Duration
approx 3 minutes

Forces required:
Organ

Sheep may safely graze by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) (C)

Schafe können sicher weiden (Sheep may safely graze) BWV 208
from an aria of the same name, arr. Stainton de B. Taylor

Can also be sung:

Schafe können sicher weiden, wo ein guter Hirte wacht,
Wo Regenten wohl regieren, kann man Ruh and Frieden spüren und was Länder glücklich macht.

Sheep can graze safely, where a good shepherd watches
Where Princes govern well, one senses peace and harmony and the region is blest.

Duration:
approx. 4 minutes

Forces required
Organ
OR
Organ and Soprano
OR
Organ and Trumpet

Air on the G string (from Suite No. 3) by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) (C)

from the Orchestral Suite No. 3

Duration
approx 5 minutes


Forces required:
Organ

Originally for string orchestra

Air from the Water Music by George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1757) (C)

The famous “Water Party” was held on July 17, 1717. For this Handel wrote his “Water Music”. It is said that the king adored the music so much that he ordered it performed three different times during the party (rumored to be twice before dinner and once after) though each performance was about an hour long.

The Hornpipe from the Water Music is also often requested at weddings.

Duration
to follow

Forces required:
Organ

Canon In D by Johannes Pachelbel (C)

Pachelbel was a German composer of the eighteenth century. This canon (originally for three violins and bass) is instantly recognisable from the first few notes. It works very well on the organ.

I don’t recommend this piece for the Entrance of the Bride, because it takes a long time to reach its climax, and co-ordination with the Bridal procession can be fraught in most churches.

Needs an organ, not piano. Originally for 3 violins, organ and cello

Duration
to follow

Forces required:
Organ

Minuet (from the opera Berenice) by George Frideric Handel (1685 - 1757) (C)

From the opera, Berenice, regina d'Egitto (Berenice, Queen of Egypt) (HWV 38) by Handel premiered in London in 1737

Duration
approx 2 minutes.

Forces required:
Organ
OR
Organ and trumpet

Hochzeitpräludium (Wedding Prelude in F major) by Johann Strauss Op.469

transcribed for organ by Joachim Dorfmüller

Yes. That is Johann Strauss the Younger, the Waltz King - but no sign of the waltz here: this is a sacred piece, first heard in 1896, at the wedding of his step-daughter, Alice. Originally for harmonium, harp and violin.

Duration
approx 2 minutes.

Forces required:
Organ