Choose Memorial Music to Comfort Family and Friends
One of the main reasons for a funeral or memorial service is for friends and family to remember and honor the deceased. Keep in mind that some of the music may stick in our minds and serve as a reminder of the friend or loved one for a long time. Every one who attends the service may have different likes and dislikes when it comes to music. The music can be a combination of classical, religious, country, and popular. Even for the non-religious family, they may like Amazing Grace, In the Garden, or other familiar songs.
Did the Deceased Have Favorite Music?
It is a beautiful tribute to the deceased to use some of their favorite songs or type of music. Maybe they liked a particular genre of music, artist or composer. The strains of these melodies will offer comfort and bring back the memory of the loved one. If the deceased had a type of music or a song they disliked, of course that music wouldn’t be included.
Some Music I Like to Play and Suggest for Memorial Services
Religious
Amazing Grace
Ave Maria
How Great Thou Art
On Eagles’ Wings
In the Garden
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Hymn of the Universe
It Is Well With My Soul
Classical
Reverie – Debussy
Clair de Lune – Debussy
New World Symphony (Going Home) – Dvorak
18th Variation – Rachmaninoff
Popular and Folk
Angels Among Us
The Rose
Memory
Over The Rainbow
Wind Beneath My Wings
What a Wonderful World
Danny Boy
Greensleeves
You’ll Never Walk Alone
To hear samples of these songs and many more ideas, go to www.heavenlyharpist.com/. Click on any CD and any song to listen.
Funeral/Memorial Music Is a Very Personal Decision
Keep in mind the personality of the deceased. They may have requested that their passing be a celebration rather than a mourning service. One person even asked that everyone dance. If the service is in a church and the deceased was religious, maybe all the music will be hymns and religious music, with some classical music.
Memorial Service Music Can Be Both Joyous and Reflective
Often the people attending the funeral or celebration of life event will experience a range of emotions, from grief and mourning to happy remembrances. The music can also be a combination of reflective and spiritual to uplifting and happy. We are saying goodbye in whatever way seems appropriate.