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Funeral Music - Finding the Right Song
By Ben Anton
Funeral music can be an excellent way to truly capture
the essence and spirit of your loved one. Though usually
played softly, the music at a funeral can also shape the
ceremony by reminding mourners of the type of person
they have lost. Music can evoke powerful memories,
emotions, and thoughts of good times.
Choosing Funeral Music
Because of this, it is important that funeral music is
not chosen haphazardly. Organizers should try to pick
songs that are appropriate. Many families ask a minister
or music director for advice in this area. Although it
is not uncommon to step away from more common or
traditional songs, it is critical that you know why you
are choosing a nontraditional song. You may even need to
explain the song selection to the mourners, especially
if it appears to the average person to be a complete
deviation from the norm.
Traditional songs chosen for funerals are usually
classical, religious, or soft and somber. Often these
are songs with few or no words. The traditional
religious songs are typically hymns or songs that haven
been passed down through various generations. These
songs typically have a message of hope or life-eternal,
which speaks to both the deceased and the mourners at
the service.
If you are seeking a more personalized song selection
over a more traditional set then you need to talk to
those closest to the deceased. Although you may want to
ask a parent or a spouse, it may even be a good idea to
start with a brother, sister, or good friend who can
provide a wider selection of songs, ones that the
deceased may have appreciated at a much younger age.
The Funeral March
Another important aspect of funeral music is the songs
played during the funeral march. A funeral march can
refer to the precession of family members as they enter
the church, when they walk past the casket, as they walk
out of the church, or as the casket is being removed
from the church. There are commonly chosen songs for the
march. These musical pieces usually convey the
somberness and sorrow of the moment.
Gravesite Music
Some families also choose to play music at the
gravesite. The music at the gravesite is usually played
as people arrive and leave the ceremony. Some families
also have a family member or friend sing or play a song
here as a final farewell tribute. Here it would be a
good idea to get song selection ideas from the minister
providing over the gravesite ceremony, the funeral
director, or the music director for your church. Most
often, non-traditional songs are played at the gravesite
service if they are going to be played. However, again,
the reasoning behind it should be explained.
Although there are numerous songs for funerals that you
can choose, the two broad categories for funeral music
are traditional and personal. Many times those
organizing the funeral choose funeral music by taking
the mourners into consideration only. However funeral
music is meant to really shine a light on the life that
was lost, their essence, their personality, and all the
reasons why so many people loved them.
~Ben Anton, 2008
Funeral Music and Songs: Find the right memorial service
music [http://funeralmarch.com/home/funeral-music] or
funeral march composition on the Funeral March site. |
