Franklin Dean
The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011 was a grand affair, with a guest list of about 1,900 people, including members of foreign royal families, diplomats, and the couple's personal guests. The ceremony was also viewed live by tens of millions of people around the world. The music played at the wedding had a largely British theme, with a mix of traditional and contemporary songs. The couple's first dance was to a cover of Elton John's Your Song performed by Ellie Goulding. Other songs played at the wedding included a Grease medley, a cover of a Killers track, and Stevie Wonder's classic. The hymns Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, Love Divine All Love Excelling, and Jerusalem were also sung during the service.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Wedding | 29 April 2011 |
| Location | Westminster Abbey |
| Bride | Catherine Middleton |
| Groom | Prince William |
| Best Man | Prince Harry |
| Maid of Honour | Pippa Middleton |
| Wedding Bouquet | Laid on the tomb of the Unknown Warrior |
| Photographer | Hugo Burnand |
| Musicians | Ellie Goulding, Westminster Abbey Choir, Chapel Royal Choir, London Chamber Orchestra, Fanfare ensemble from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force |
| First Dance Song | "Your Song" by Elton John |
| Other Songs | "Starry Eyed" by Ellie Goulding, "Grease" medley, "The Killers" by Ellie Goulding, "Stevie Wonder" by Ellie Goulding, "Kings of Leon" |
| Wedding Theme | Britishness |
| Wedding Hymns | "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer", "Love Divine All Love Excelling", "Jerusalem" |
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What You'll Learn
- The wedding's theme was Britishness, with traditional music and newly commissioned pieces
- The prelude to the ceremony included British composers like Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Warlock
- Hymns were a big part of the wedding, with favourites like 'Love Divine, All Love Excelling' and 'Jerusalem'
- Anthems were also featured, including 'This is the Day' by John Rutter, and 'Blest Pair of Sirens' by Charles Parry
- Ellie Goulding performed 'Your Song' and 'Starry Eyed' for the couple's first dance
The wedding's theme was Britishness, with traditional music and newly commissioned pieces
The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton featured a blend of traditional music and newly commissioned pieces, all adhering to the overarching theme of Britishness. The couple put considerable thought into selecting the music for their special day, choosing stunning pieces that filled the abbey and accentuated the grandeur of the occasion.
The music before the service commenced with a selection of organ pieces, including Fantasia in G (Pièce d’orgue à 5) by Johann Sebastian Bach, Veni Creator Spiritus by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, and Prelude on St. Columba Op. 28 by Sir Charles Villiers Stanford. The prelude also featured Edward Elgar's Sonata for Organ Op. 28, a work by one of Britain's most prominent composers.
Continuing the British theme, the final piece before the service began was Canzona from Organ Sonata in C minor by Percy Whitlock. The service was then marked by a Fanfare performed by The State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry, announcing the arrival of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.
Three hymns were chosen for the service, all favourites of the couple: 'Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer', 'Love Divine All Love Excelling', and 'Jerusalem'. The Anthem, 'This is the day which the Lord hath made', was specially composed for the occasion by British composer, conductor, and arranger John Rutter.
The wedding also included pieces with royal connections, such as 'I Was Glad' by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, which was written for the coronation of Edward VII in 1902 and has been used at every coronation since. Additionally, the couple chose William Walton's Crown Imperial, which was featured in Princess Diana's wedding in 1981 and was played during the recessional for the procession of the bride and groom.
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The prelude to the ceremony included British composers like Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Warlock
The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton featured a blend of traditional and contemporary music, with a largely British theme. The prelude to the ceremony included British composers like Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Warlock.
The prelude to the ceremony featured a selection of organ pieces, including Fantasia in G (Pièce d'orgue à 5) by Johann Sebastian Bach, Veni Creator Spiritus by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, and Prelude on St. Columba Op. 28 by Sir Charles Villiers Stanford. The prelude also included pieces by British composers such as Edward Elgar's Sonata for Organ, Op. 28, and Serenade for Strings in E minor Op. 20 (Allegro piacevole, Larghetto, and Allegretto).
The works of Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Warlock featured prominently in the prelude. Edward Elgar's 'Salut d'Amour' and 'Chanson de Matin' were performed by the assembled orchestra, conducted by Christopher Warren-Green. Ralph Vaughan Williams's 'Fantasia on Greensleeves' added a romantic touch to the prelude. Peter Warlock's pieces, though not mentioned by name, were also part of the prelude, showcasing the couple's preference for British composers.
The ceremony itself continued the British theme with the inclusion of William Walton's 'Crown Imperial' and Ralph Vaughan Williams's 'Rhosymedre'. These works, along with Edward Elgar's Sonata for Organ, Op. 28, were also featured in Princess Diana's wedding and funeral in 1981 and 1997, respectively. The couple's choice of music not only celebrated their love but also emphasized the significance of their matrimony to the British people.
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Hymns were a big part of the wedding, with favourites like 'Love Divine, All Love Excelling' and 'Jerusalem'
The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton featured a blend of traditional and contemporary music, with a largely British theme. The couple put considerable thought into selecting the music for their special day, choosing pieces that celebrated their love and the significance of their matrimony to the British people.
Hymns played a significant role in the wedding ceremony, with the couple selecting three hymns that held special meaning for them. The first hymn, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer," with words by William Williams and music by John Hughes, is a powerful and uplifting piece that sets a majestic tone for the occasion. The second hymn, "Love Divine All Love Excelling," with words by Charles Wesley and music by William Penfro Rowlands, is a romantic and elegant choice, reflecting the couple's devotion. The third hymn, "Jerusalem," composed by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry with words by William Blake, is a patriotic and stirring selection that celebrates the couple's British heritage.
These hymns were performed by the talented Westminster Abbey Choir and the Chapel Royal Choir, directed by James O'Donnell, adding a sense of grandeur and spirituality to the service. The inclusion of these hymns showcased the couple's appreciation for traditional and meaningful music, creating a memorable and heartfelt atmosphere for their wedding celebration.
In addition to the hymns, the wedding also featured a mix of classical and contemporary songs. The couple chose "Your Song" by Ellie Goulding for their first dance, adding a modern and romantic touch to the festivities. The ceremony also included pieces by prominent British composers, such as Edward Elgar, William Walton, and Ralph Vaughan Williams, paying homage to the rich musical heritage of the country.
The music at Prince William and Catherine Middleton's wedding reflected their personal tastes and cultural influences, creating an unforgettable soundtrack that blended tradition and modernity, celebrating their love story within the context of British royalty.
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Anthems were also featured, including 'This is the Day' by John Rutter, and 'Blest Pair of Sirens' by Charles Parry
Music played a significant role in celebrating the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, with the couple taking great care in selecting the songs. The wedding, which took place on the 29th of April 2011, featured a blend of traditional and contemporary music, with a largely British theme. The ceremony included performances by two choirs, one orchestra, and a fanfare ensemble.
The anthems featured during the service were "This is the Day" by John Rutter and "Blest Pair of Sirens" by Charles Parry. "This is the Day" was composed especially for the royal wedding by John Rutter, a British composer, conductor, editor, and arranger known for his choral music expertise. The anthem was commissioned by Westminster Abbey as a wedding gift for the couple and was performed by both the Westminster Abbey Choir and the Chapel Royal Choir.
"Blest Pair of Sirens," with words by John Milton from "At a Solemn Musick", was sung by the choirs during the signing of the registers. The music was composed by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, a renowned British composer. The song was followed by a specially composed fanfare called "Valiant and Brave" by Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs, Principal Director of Music in the Royal Air Force.
The wedding ceremony also included a mix of organ pieces, processionals, and hymns, showcasing the couple's thoughtful selection of music that celebrated their love and British heritage. The occasion was made even more memorable with performances by singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding, who sang "Your Song" and "Starry Eyed" for the couple's first dance and guests, respectively.
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Ellie Goulding performed 'Your Song' and 'Starry Eyed' for the couple's first dance
The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton featured music that largely centred around a British theme, with a mix of traditional and contemporary songs. The couple put a lot of thought into selecting the music for their special day, opting for a blend of classic and newly commissioned pieces.
Ellie Goulding performed a rendition of "Your Song" for the couple's first dance. Goulding's performance of "Your Song" added a unique and contemporary touch to the royal wedding. The song, originally written and performed by Elton John, is a heartfelt and romantic ballad. Goulding's interpretation of the song likely brought a fresh and modern vibe to the couple's first dance as newlyweds.
"Your Song" holds a special place in popular culture as an enduring expression of love. The song's lyrics, which speak of unconditional love and devotion, beautifully capture the sentiment of a wedding celebration. The choice of this song for their first dance reflects Prince William and Catherine's desire to incorporate meaningful and sentimental music into their wedding.
In addition to "Your Song," Ellie Goulding also performed her hit single "Starry Eyed" for the assembled guests. "Starry Eyed" is an upbeat and energetic song that likely added a fun and lively atmosphere to the wedding celebrations. Goulding's performance of this song may have encouraged guests to take to the dance floor and created a memorable and joyous ambiance.
The inclusion of Ellie Goulding's performances at the wedding showcases the couple's appreciation for contemporary music and their desire to create a diverse and engaging musical experience for their guests. By selecting these songs, Prince William and Catherine Middleton not only expressed their personal tastes but also left a lasting impression on those in attendance.
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