OrnaVerum
v 7.00.00
23 Jan 2024
updated 23 Jan 2024

The first movement, played while the congregation were assembling, is simply coruscating, and inevitably, for me, recalls a long hot adolescent summer in Athens three years earlier. The third, almost insanely urgent, was played as the happy couple, plus congregation in due course, were heading for the west door afterwards.

The second is wistful, almost elegaic, and was played to cover the hiatus euphemistically known as Signing The Register, during which the bridegroom traditionally takes a vow of poverty, chastity and obedience, whilst the bride likewise sacrifices her libido at a side altar.

I can't altogether vouch for that, though I do remember realising afterwards that it was null and void anyway, as an 18th century Act of Parliament invalidates any marriage performed whilst the bride is under the influence of drink, in this case a bottle or two of Veuve Clicquot shared with her father beforehand. Though the 50th anniversary was most happily celebrated not long ago, I'm still keeping this recourse up my sleeve...

Please click here if you'd like to hear all three movements, played by Robert Noehren.