For most people, music is an essential part of a funeral service, especially when the music chosen holds a special meaning for you or the person who has died. In this article I provide some funeral music ideas to get you started if you’re looking for a little musical inspiration.
How many pieces of music can we play?
Usually there are three to four main pieces of music played at a funeral service. One for the entrance, one for reflection (a quiet piece at the point of farewell/committal), then one to leave the chapel. It is also possible to use the music for farewell and let it play afterwards to allow time for reflection. It is also possible to play either live or recorded music at other points in the ceremony – please do ask me if you’re stuck for ideas or need advice on this.
Popular funeral music choices
Hymns
For those who would like a Christian element to their service, below is a list of hymns that are particularly appropriate for funerals.
- The lord’s my shepherd
- Abide with me
- Morning has broken
- How great thou art
- Jerusalem
- Guide me oh thou great redeemer
- I vow to thee my country
- Nearer my god to thee
- Be still my soul (Finlandia)
- Going home (Hovis advert)
Classical Music
- Nimrod – Elgar
- Gymnopedie no 1 – Satie
- Deep peace sung by Libera
- The Lark Ascending – Vaughan WilliamsCanon in D – Johann Pachelbel
- Adagietto (from Symphony no. 5) – Gustav Mahler
- Lacrimosa (from Requiem) – Wolfgang Amadeus
- Adagio for Strings – Samuel Barber
- Adagio Lamentoso (from Symphony No. 6) – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
- Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten – Arvo Pärt
- Pie Jesu Fauré or Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Ave Maria – Franz Schubert
- Nocturne in E minor – Chopin
- I Giorni – Einaudi
- Nessun Dorma – Puccini
- Benedictus – Jenkins
Popular Music
- Once Upon a Time in the West – Ennio Morricone
- Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
- My Way – Frank Sinatra
- Angels – Robbie Williams
- The Best – Tina Turner
- Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
- Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – from Life of Brian (Monty Python)
- Time to Say Goodbye – Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli
- You’ll Never Walk Alone – Jerry and the Pacemakers
- Over the Rainbow – Eva Cassidy
- Last of the Summer Wine
- My Heart Will Go On – Céline Dion
- How Long Will I Love You – Whitney Houston
- Be Seeing You – Puff Daddy and Faith Evans
- Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
- Wonderwall – Oasis
- You Raise Me Up – Westlife
- There You’ll Be – Faith Hill
- Wherever You Will Go – The Calling
- Jealous of the Angels – Donna Taggart
- Who Wants to Live Forever – Queen
- Danny Boy
- We’ll Meet Again – Vera Lynn
- Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller
- Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
- Goodnight Sweetheart
- Moon River
- Heaven’s Now My Home
- Pal of My Cradle Days – Ann Breen
FUNERAL SINGING SERVICES
Having studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire of Music and worked as a soloist for many years, I am now well placed to lead the hymns and songs at funerals if required. I am happy to sing with the resident organist or music system, but can also provide my own equipment and backing tracks where needed. For more information, visit the Funeral Singing Services page.
Below is a short video clip to give you an idea of my style. If you’d like to know more, please get in touch or visit my Facebook page for examples of my work.