Ceremony Music, can't decide.

blush64

I am looking into ceremony music and I have decided I will either use a trio or quartet but I can't decide which or even if I should use a duo.

Instruments would be duo - violin and cello vs cello and piano
trio- violin, cello and piano vs violin, cello and flute vs two violins and cello
quartet- two violins, viola, cello vs violin, viola, flute and cello

Too much to choose from.

I am leaning toward a trio right now but I still have no idea if I should use the piano because it can be overpowering. It's not a big wedding and the venue isn't large either.

What is everyone else doing? What would you do in this situation?

calliopeia2013

Used to play in string groups in weddings all the time- here's my 2 cents.

- Pianos will not ever overpower the strings- don't worry about that.  If you want piano, have the piano.  Really.  Any decent pianist can blend properly with a single string soloist.

- I don't like flutes blended with strings personally, because I think it doesn't blend as nicely, but if you really like flutes, that's a fine choice.  I especially don't like it as part of an ensemble like a quartet, though- strings sound better together than with one random wind intrument on one of the parts.  (I.e. don't do violin, viola, flute, and cello.)

- IMO, best sound is from a 2 violin, viola, cello quartet.  But that's also more expensive than a trio, and you won't lose too much shrinking down to a trio of some sort. 

- A cello soloist with a piano accompanist would also be incredibly beautiful.

acaponi87

IMO go strings only.

I'd also say go for either a solo, duet or quartet.  Like PP said, string quartets are beautifulll, but probably more expensive.  I think you would struggle to find a trio. It's just a bit less common. Personally I LOVE violin/cello.

As long as you are hiring GOOD musicians (who play together occasionally) you should have an issue with overpowering piano.  I'd say at this point start looking at what's available in your area and go from there.

ginadog

I'm doing a solo cello, only because my friend is a professional freelance cellist and she does weddings all the time.  She's offered to do my music as a gift.  She told me some Bach suites to listen to and I'll be great for a small wedding.

She's normally part of a trio or quartet that she owns and contracts out.  If I had endless money, I'd probably opt for a trio or quartet- all strings - cello, viola, 1-2 violins is common.

I play the flute nonprofessionally and I don't like listening to flutes play!   I only like playing the flute.  LOL