Okay, so maybe I’m not the nerdiest harpist in the area. But I think I am the nerdiest professional harpist in Minnesota (as in, I do this and only this for a living). Other harpists reading this who wish to dispute the title, please comment below. Something tells me we could be friends.
We all know there are multiple types of nerds/geeks. I’m not the tech-savvy math genius kind. I’m the costume-sewing trekking-through-the-woods kind.
It’s becoming increasingly common to incorporate “nerdy” soundtracks or theme songs in wedding ceremonies. Many young couples don’t bat an eye at the idea of science fiction, fantasy or video game music for their processionals or recessionals. I’m all for it! The wonderful thing about playing such music on the harp is that people who aren’t as familiar with the source material often fail to recognize the music’s movie or video game origins. So your grandmother might not realize that you chose Star Wars music for your recessional. I played at the wedding of some dear friends of mine. They selected “The Throne Room” from Star Wars Episode IV as their recessional. As they started up the aisle and I started to play, I could see a ripple of delight run through the audience as about half of them recognized the melody. Multiple guests approached me afterwards to share how much they loved the music selection. I was similarly pleased.
Some nerdy wedding suggestions that I’ve previously performed:
The Throne Room (end of Star Wars Episode IV music)
Across the Stars (Star Wars II love theme)
To Love a Princess (Braveheart)
Once Upon A Time/Storybook Love (Princess Bride)
Tale As Old As Time (Beauty and the Beast)
Lucy Meets Mr. Tumnus (Narnia)
Concerning Hobbits (The Lord of the Rings)
Dawn (Pride and Prejudice)
Skye Boat Song (Outlander)
A Thousand Years (Twilight)
Legend of Zelda Overworld Theme
Moss, Wood And Thicket “That Feeling You Get When You Think About The Lord of the Rings” (by Stephanie Claussen)
Other pieces that I’ve heard of using at a wedding but haven’t actually performed, yet:
Zelda’s Lullaby
The Dragonborn Comes (Skyrim)
May it Be (Lord of the Rings)
Zelda Main Theme
Skyrim Main Theme
Kyoudai (Full Metal Alchemist)
Kingdom Dance (Tangled)
There are, of course, ways to work harp music into venues and events other than weddings, such as Renaissance festivals, Prancing Pony recreations at Convergence, Starlight dinners at Tolkien conventions… I am your harpist. Call me. I would take Howard Shore or John Williams over the Beatles any day.
Meanwhile, enjoy some Hobbit music:
Do you read fantasy fiction? You might enjoy my analysis Harp in the Fantasy Novel, Part 1.
Stephanie Claussen has served the wedding industry in Minneapolis & St. Paul since 2000. She enjoys Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Star Wars, and the occasional anime. She is a classically-trained harpist with over fifteen years of experience performing for special events and would love to help you incorporate some of the above music into your event. Send her a note today!