Weddings 2008 is Classic FM's third compilation album of the year, a timely release to help with the music choices for the summer wedding season. It's the second of their Wedding `Best Of' collection (the last one was Music for Weddings in 2006) and this time the clever marketing people at Classic FM have helpfully divided the music into church music and civil music, recognising the confusion that can exist when deciding which music is allowed at each ceremony. Sacred music, of any religion, is forbidden by law to be played at a civil wedding while the registrar is present.
This is helpful, considering many pieces traditionally associated with church ceremonies, such as Mendelssohn's `Wedding March' which evokes images of the just-married couple walking down the church aisle, are actually non-religious works so can quite happily be played at a civil wedding. The Registrar will always have the final decision on whether the choice is lawful, but it can avoid disappointment by knowing the rules beforehand.
Helpful too (Classic FM really are getting good at this) is the categorisation of each track into its recommended part of the service, such as arrival of the bride, hymns (churches only remember!), signing the register, and when the bride and groom leave. (No choices for the evening reception, that's one for a `Classic FM party mix' perhaps).
Best of all though is the quality of the performances and recordings, which are a selection from familiar names like Pavarotti, Alfie Boe, Bryn Terfel, Renee Fleming, Emma Kirkby, The Sixteen, Elin Manahan Thomas and the Choir of Kings College Cambridge. Most of the recordings date from the 1990's to 2000's, with a few from the 1970's and 80's which are of equally high standard.
The two bonus tracks are the proverbial icing on the cake, one by All Angels (The Flower Duet by Delibes), the other by The Choir Boys (Psalm 23 also known as The Lord is My Shepherd/ Vicar of Dibley theme), and the sleeve notes provide suggested readings for the service - a bible excerpt for church services and some wise words from Shakespeare for the civil wedding.
A highly recommended collection of music which is thoughtfully presented.