Funeral March » funeral music

Lyrics: Angel

admin — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:34:19 +0000

First performed by Sarah McLachlan, the song “Angel” has an incredibly beautiful message. The original arrangement is simple and features McLachlan playing piano and singing. Her unique tone and distinct phrasing truly resemble that of an angel. The melody she crafts works harmoniously with the lyrics as the song champions the peace and comfort that comes with death.

Listen to Angel on iTunes

See the lyrics to the song’s chorus below:

In the arms of the angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

More Funeral Songs

Lyrics vs. Melody

admin — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:27:27 +0000

When families choose funeral music, time and attention are often given to the lyrics of a song. And understandably so. Lyrics, written words expressed through organized sound, are incredibly moving and powerful when composed effectively. I would submit, however, that a powerful melody without employing lyrics can have much of the same effect.

This is particularly the case when using a well-known song that is traditionally performed with lyrics. Take the hymn “Amazing Grace” for example. Many people know, at very least, the words of the first verse of this song. Now, imagine a single instrument playing the simple melody without a voice singing the lyrics; allowing mourners to craft words and images in their minds as they listen intently to the emotion within the notes of the melody, not the lyrics.

The effect also works with music originally composed without lyrics — for instance, Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata or one of Chopin’s Nocturnes. Pieces like these contain a broad spectrum of emotion that enables listeners to not only celebrate a life but grieve the loss of one. The beauty of lyric-less melodies is the ability they give listeners to create their own experience, unguided by someone else’s words.

Planning a Funeral Service

admin — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:25:57 +0000

Although inevitable, planning a funeral or memorial service is, without a doubt, a difficult task to perform. Yet, though it is difficult, a funeral or memorial is often considered a rite of passage both for the deceased and the grieving. In an effort to make this necessary task seem less insurmountable, below you’ll find some helpful hints on how to approach and plan a funeral or memorial service.

At First
Some of the first things that should be taken care of are the date and location of the service. Once decided, it is also important to notify friends and family by spreading the word via the newspaper, telephone, and internet. Additionally, selection of a funeral home and final resting place should be decided upon. A majority of establishments require a legal certificate of death before caring for the deceased.

And Next
A large portion of planning will be devoted to the programmatic details of the service. Typically, funerals and memorials include some or all of the following: eulogies, music, religious readings, poetry or prose, a sermon or message, and prayer. The elements you choose to include should be an appropriate representation of your loved one’s life. You should also consider people who may want to take part in the service such as specific ministers, family members, or friends.

At Last
Decorations, flowers, and food or refreshments are all common at funeral services. Many people will bring or send flowers, but it is also appropriate to have flowers custom designed for the service. Providing food or refreshments for everyone who attends can be a daunting task, but caterers are available for these events. As an alternative, relatives and members from your local church are typically very generous and gracious when it comes to preparing and providing food.

Selecting Funeral Music

admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:11:41 +0000

Even choosing music for a memorial service or funeral can be quite difficult. Here are a few tips on how to select appropriate music for such a somber occasion.

Celebrating Life Through Music
Choose music that reflects the life of the deceased. For instance, a World War II vet’s service might include “I’ll Be Seeing You (In All the Old Familiar Places),” both as an expression of grief, and as a reflection of time in the Great War.

Remembering Preferences
Select music that the deceased especially enjoyed; this will certainly remind listeners of happy memories. (Truly forward thinking individuals may have already selected songs for their own service; be sure to research this if you are the music organizer.)

Consider Mood
Perhaps more than any other art, music links to our emotions. Memorial services often feature somber pieces for entrance processions, but you may choose hopeful music near the end of the ceremony to leave participants with a lighter feeling.

Involve Family and Friends
Once you have your list of songs, reflect on who might like to perform music during the memorial service; you might be surprised how many family members and friends volunteer to contribute their musical talents in memorial to the deceased.

Funeral Marches

admin — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:13:20 +0000

Funeral marches are the songs played as family enters the funeral service or as the casket is removed from the funeral home, church or cathedral to be taken to the burial site. Below are some often used marches you may want to consider as you plan a funeral service for a loved one.

Adagio for Strings – Albonini

Moonlight Sonata - Beethoven

Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy

Psalm 121 – H. Howells

Solemn Melody – H. Walford Davies

How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings Fair - J. Brahms

Air on the G string – J.S. Bach

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – JS Bach

Canon - Pachelbel

Nessun Dorma – Puccini

The Waltz of the Flowers (From the Nutcracker) – Tchaikovsy

Ave Maria – Verdi

Ave Verum Corpus – W.A. Mozart