Search - I Do! Me Too! :: I Do! Me Too!: Interfaith Wedding Music

I Did, and I'm Glad!!

M. B Hazen | Jacksonville, Fla. | 06/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I sold music for a living, and scheduled music for classical radio, I received many requests from customers for wedding music. Now, thankfully, many labels have issued selections of music to accomodate these requests for small home ceremonies or ideas for their church music. And these labels get an extra "bang for their bucks" by selecting cuts from their catalogues to create another CD. (new title, new cover art, new release!) Wonderful idea! Understandably the average couple probably wouldn't want to purchase Bach's "Cantata 147" just for "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring".
Pro Organo has issued a stunning CD of wedding music suggestions not just for one denomination, but for Jewish, African, Japanese, Gaelic, Scottish, and those wanting something a little original and fresh. Recorded in the canyonlike Cathedral of St. John the Divine of New York City (before the disastrous fire of 2001 which caused a lot of destruction), organist Dorothy Papadakos, and visiting musicians, have offered "spectacular" collection of organ and brass favorites, as well as some surprising discoveries. It's sonically thrilling, and, as a disc for just listening, I highly recommend it. There are enough pieces that we all know, such as Widor's "Fifth Organ Symphony 'Toccata'" and Gigout's "Grand Chorus in Dialogue" with sprinkles of world music played in a Cathedral known for its diverse musical contents. But Pro Organo and organist Papadakos have uncovered works for klezmer, shakuhachi, bagpipes, voice, and unusual instrumentation to give this disc an entirely different approach to wedding music.
You LOVE it, especially those of you who enjoy trying new recipes, wines, and concert fare. So far, it is one of my very favorite discs. I guess so...I bought two copies! WOW!!"