Cello Soloist for Crmny & C.Hr

dvscreations269

I have hired a solo cellist for our ceremony and cocktail hour. I thought they would have given me a list of possible pieces for the cellist to play. Instead they have asked me to tell them what I want and give them sheet music.

So far I have the Butterfly Waltz- for the processional (parent's and bridal party)
The Bridal Chorus (Wagner) for the bride's entrance song
The Sleeping Beauty Waltz for the sand ceremony
& The Wedding March (Mendelssohn)- for the recessional

Anyone have further ideas or advice?
TY!!!!

naomikb

That seems strange.  Most professional musicians should be able to give you a repertoire list, and they should have a large database of music already.  Usually you only supply the sheet music if you are asking for something new/unique/modern that they haven't played before or if you want it in a different key.

That list sounds good for your ceremony.  Do you need to give them a list for cockail hour or can they just play whatever they think is appropriate?  If you need ideas for the cocktail hour, it might include:
J.S. Bach Air in G string        
C. Frank Panis Angelicus                
A. Vivaldi Four seasons - spring – summer            
H. Purcell Trumpet Tune         
L.V. Beethoven Ode to Joy              
Handel La Rejouissance            

Handel Water Music 
W.A. Mozart Eine Kleine Nachtmusik           
J.S. Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.2                 
J.S. Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.3                 
W.A. Mozart Divertimento No.1                 
W.A. Mozart Divertimento No.2 - Andante                
W.A. Mozart Allegro – Andante – Presto                
J.S. Bach Four Pieces                 
J.S. Bach Quartet in D major                
J. Haydn Divertimento in D major                
L.V. Beethoven Quartet No.13                
J. Massenet Meditation from “Thais”                
L. Boccherini  Minuetto (from string quartet in E major)                
F. Kreisler Liebesleid                
F. Kreisler Schon Rosmarin                
Haydn Serenade                 
J.S. Bach Arie             
Handel Largo

bethcarrie

I'm a professional wedding musician so thought I would weigh in here.  With the availability of sheet music on the internet these days, your cellist should be able to find a lot of the pieces you want online.  It may cost a few dollars per download, though, which may be why he/she wants you to get the music yourself.

Something to note for the cocktail hour: most of your guests probably won't hear the cellist unless they're standing fairly close to him/her.  You might think about having the cellist sitting someplace where guests who want to listen to the music can congregate without blocking the bar, etc.

I would suggest asking the cellist to choose a mix of faster and slower pieces for the cocktail hour- too many slow pieces, and the mood can feel too somber.  The cellist may not have suggestions for you because the possibilities are endless, so thinking about the mood you want might help them make suggestions for you.  If you want, non-classical pieces are an option on the cello, too... I've had couples ask for college fight songs, Beatles, Journey, West Side Story, you name it.  It's not always possible but it's definitely worth asking if there are some songs you really love that you would like to hear.

Hope that helps

dvscreations269

Thanks! Your responses were really helpful. Our cocktail is inside and in two connecting rooms. The first room is like a living room with a full bar and the other room is similar to a porch with all windows. I figure the cellist would sit in the living room area which is a very cozy area. I do not really care what the cellist plays during the cocktail hour cuz I won't be there. JK!  I will mention more upbeat music to them though. Don't want my guests too relaxed. JK!