Is the hymn dying out?
Thanks for this picture by Infrogmation at flickr.com
Studies have been made that many people now express a preference for personal favorites or contemporary songs. Often the music chosen by the family – specified by a person to be played at a wedding as well as a funeral – is light-hearted.
However reports also indicate that many celebrations are still traditional, led by a minister. Within the percentages classified as contemporary, hymns still often feature in the order of service.
As a wedding singer, – I strongly experience both these quite opposite trends. On my web site I have a very long repertoire list, yet often people just request their own favourite songs. In that way my repertoire list gets forever longer and longer. It is wonderful as a singer to get to know so much wonderful music really well. Also a great privilege to attend so many special celebrations.
Today I was singing at a real country wedding in an ancient wonderful church. Here the choice of music was a complete mix of musical styles, which brought a great mix of new and old. The hymns were there, – mixed in with sacred music, and contemporary music as well. Something for every taste. When we left we could wave to the newly weds riding off in a horse carriage. This seems to be a much rarer experience, – it is usually the fancy cars one sees the couple drive off in.
Have a great day! www.weddingsinger-uk.net
Marianne
Wedding Singer UK 