Planning Your Wedding or Event
String Ensembles
You think you want strings, but don't know the different instruments or possibilities in the string family. Here we explain each of the string instruments we offer, some typical string ensembles, and even some of the popular string ensemble pieces.
String Instruments
| Instrument | Description/Notes |
|---|---|
| Violin | The violin is the soprano voice in the string family. It is held under the chin, resting on the shoulder. The violin has a lovely tone that can be soft and expressive or exciting and brilliant. |
| Viola | The viola is the alto voice in the string family. Like the violin, it is held under the chin, resting on the shoulder. Unlike the violin, the viola is slightly larger and is tuned five notes lower. It has a darker and warmer tone quality than the violin, but is not as brilliant. |
| Cello | The violoncello or cello is the tenor voice in the string family. While shaped like a violin, the cello is much larger and is held between the player's knees. It can produce beautiful sounds from its lowest to its highest notes. |
String Ensembles
The size of the ensemble is up to you. This section describes the typical setup for each ensemble. If you don't see something you want, just contact us and we'll be happy to put together something just for you.
| Ensemble | Description/Notes |
|---|---|
| Soloist | A violin or cello soloist, usually with piano or organ accompaniment (provided by you or by us). Also available a capella for outdoor events, fanfares, funerals, etc. |
| Duo | Violin and Cello is the classic combination. A capella sounds great, but our most popular version makes it a trio by adding trumpet (see below). |
| Trio | Two violins and Cello or Violin, Viola, Cello. This is a classic ensemble and works very well for outdoor weddings, events, and more. As an alternative, Violin, Cello, and Trumpet is one of our biggest sellers right now. |
| Quartet | Two violins, viola, and cello. Sounds like a much fuller ensemble and really fills a church or an outdoor wedding ceremony/event. Or you can choose Trumpet, Violin, Viola, and Cello. It gives you all the beauty of the strings, plus the majesty and "punch" of the trumpet, especially for processional, recessionals, and more. |
| Quintet | Two violins, viola, cello, trumpet. The trumpet adds another dimension to the sound. Perfect for graduations, outdoor weddings, and cocktail hours. |
Popular String Pieces
This is just a sampling of pieces that are great for string ensembles. To hear even more samples, visit our songlist section, especially the wedding and ceremonial music page or our wedding ceremony music planning page.
| Piece | Composer | Traditionally Used For... | Strings | Str+Tpt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring | Bach | Prelude/Mothers | MP3 | MP3 |
| Air on the G String | Bach | Prelude/Bridesmaids | MP3 | |
| Where Sheep May Safely Graze | Bach | Prelude/Bridesmaids | MP3 | |
| Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin | Wagner | Processional | MP3 | MP3 |
| Canon in D | Pachelbel | Processional | MP3 | |
| Trumpet Voluntary | Clarke | Processional | MP3 | MP3 |
| Panis Angelicus | Franck | Interlude | MP3 | |
| Hornpipe from Water Music | Handel | Recessional | MP3 | MP3 |
| La Rejouissance | Handel | Recessional | MP3 | MP3 |
| Rondeau | Mouret | Recessional | MP3 | MP3 |
| Trumpet Tune | Purcell | Recessional | MP3 | MP3 |
| Wedding March | Mendelssohn | Recessional | MP3 |
If there are topics you'd like to know more about, or other topics you'd like to see here, please contact us.
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