Classical music songs for your first dance

Are you open to a wide range of music? If yes, you might want to consider a classical music song for your first dance at your Columbus wedding celebration.

Many couples use a classical music composition for their wedding ceremony, as we have blogged on in the past. But practically none consider the power of classical music for their first dance at the wedding reception. If you’re the type of couple that likes to think outside the box, you may want to consider one of the classics that follow.

The difference between popular and classical music

First, let’s take a quick look at the differences between popular and classical music. One difference in favor of popular music is the sophistication of the rhythms of the songs. Drums play a bigger role. Bass and snare drums overlay hi-hat cymbals to create foot-tapping, danceable music.

Even more, popular songs are written to be sung, offering lyrics meaningful to your love story. Unless you’re considering an opera aria, most classical songs you consider are instrumental only. And popular songs are short in contrast to longer form classical music.

Classical music unleashes the full potential of an orchestra

Classical music compensates with more sophisticated melodies and harmonic structures. Most popular songs use four chords. A song like Bruno Mars’ “Count on Me” uses six. On the other hand, Bach used dozens of chords in ingenious combinations. And of course, classical music offers the full firepower of a symphony orchestra to create a more emotive musical experience for your first dance.

For example, I’m sure you’re familiar with “Tales from the Vienna Woods” by the waltz king himself, Johann Strauss, you just don’t know it. It was composed in 1868. Watch this very fun performance of this timeless waltz:

If you cut to the 4:13 mark, the main melody, the one you know, kicks in. Columbus Pro DJs can cue the music to any point in the song you’d like if you want a shorter dance.

If you’d like a quick tutorial on how to dance to a waltz, here’s one that shows how easy it is:

On the other hand, if you’re a couple that really knows your way around the dance floor, perhaps you’ll want to consider the 1925 tango, “Joulousie ‘Tango Tzigane’,” composed by the Danish composer Jacob Glade:

This piece demonstrates how classical music can seethe with passion!

Relax. If the tango is a little too daunting for you, let us return to the waltz. One of the most famous is The Blue Danube Waltz, composed in  1866 by Johann Strauss II:

If you don’t like the long intro, we can cut right to the chase at about the 1:54 mark where the gorgeous main theme begins. Imagine a dance floor packed with your guests dancing the waltz! It’s not for everyone, but is it right for you?

Here’s another famous tango

Be honest, I bet you can’t get that tango out of your mind. Well, here’s a very famous tango from the classical music songbook that provides the foundation for confident dancers to cut loose. This song is titled, L’amour est un oiseau rebelle,” from Georges Bizet’s 1875 opera, “Carmen”:

If you’d like to dance  to this aria using a sensuous tango leg wrap, here’s how to do it:

Let’s conclude with one of the most romantic classical melodies you’ve ever heard, Sergio Rachmaninov’s Variations on a Theme by Paganini 18. Whew! What a boring title for such a lovely piece of music. The piece premiered in 1934 and has been used in movies and televisions shows ever since. What a perfect song to dance to for your first dance. Take a listen:

Let’s face it, classic musical isn’t for everyone…

But if you want it, Columbus Pro DJs can provide it, played on state-of-the-art equipment that would have dazzled Rachmaninov himself! Wait ’til you see how we can light the dance floor and your venue! Our decor lighting will complement the music and the mood to create wedding magic.

Make your wedding celebration a classic. Check on available dates and affordable package pricing today. Or save time and pick up the phone and call without obligation: 614-224-1945. We love questions!