Oh classical music, it’s long been the ideal musical style to have played at weddings. From swooping orchestral numbers, to delicate and romantic piano pieces. There’s hundreds of pieces to choose from, so we have whittled down our top 5 classical music pieces to have played at your wedding reception.
Focusing on that all important first dance after the vows have been said and just before the celebrations really kick off. Classic FM have a few ideas for that first dance, ranging from slow to upbeat, they say:
“Some couples opt for a slow piece of romantic music, so why not take inspiration from film music? The Glasgow Love Theme from Love Actually is beautiful. If you fancy something more upbeat, how about a waltz? Strauss’ graceful ‘Blue Danube’ is sure to get you in a dancing mood.”
Keeping this in mind, for our list, we have gone for a mix of slow, sultry and rousing. Let’s begin.
1. Alexander Borodin: Quartet No.2
Not the most widely used choice for couples, but Alexander Borodin’s Quartet No. 2, both the first and second movements are so incredibly joyful! Possessing some truly amazing first dance potential. Borodin mixed both elements of romantic and rousing, so if you have a string quartet, get them to use this.
2. Menuet from Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin
Another less known, but beautiful piece is Menuet from Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin. It simply oozes with romance, and if you’re a couple who loves to let your romance shine like a beacon, it’s the ideal choice.
3. Tchaikovsky: Romance in F Minor, Op.5
Underlined by sheer passion, which bubbles like a cauldron as it plays, Tchaikovsky’s Romance in F Minor, Op. 5 has the potential to be one of the best classical pieces to dance to, a slow and evocative dance at that! Tchaikovsky was the master at creating romantic pieces, so you can’t go wrong here.
4. Johann Strauss II: The Blue Danube
One of the most well known classical pieces the world over, Johann Strauss II: The Blue Danube is captivating, a sublime amalgamation of romance and celebration, ideal for those couples who really want to wow their guests with a waltz! A quick note of caution though, if you and your spouse to be are opting for this, definitely brush up on your waltz skills prior to the big reveal.
5. Maurice Ravel: Bolero
A genuine showstopper of a piece and not for the faint hearted couple. Bolero by Maurice Ravel is a one-movement orchestral piece, originally composed for a ballet, which premiered in 1928; however, it’s certainly taken on a life of its own since then. If you want a piece that both of you can really show off with, then Bolero is the one! It’s grand, ostentatious and will give you and your guests a most memorable wedding day moment.
What do you think?
Sourced for different impacts and styles, these pieces take the top spot. If you have anymore you’d like to share, then please let us know.
