Any funeral directors or classical music experts out there?

[How2Help]

I am helping someone sort out music choices for a funeral. The person left a note that they would like:

• Overture to Tannhauser


• Bruch violin concerto

The funeral director apparently said to just give the details of the 'songs' that were wanted as they select the items from a catalogue or something. How does this work with classical music - those are very long! Is there something like a known abbreviated version that is used in such situations? Or do I somehow need to provide an edited version to the funeral director (and if so, how!).

Thank you.

A concerto usually has three movements and one, usually the second one, is a slow melody, while the others are faster. So you could have a listen on Youtube and pick the movement you think is most suitable.

The 2nd movement of the Bruch violin concerto is very popular (and he did write more than 1 so refer to it as Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 (2nd movement)

Wagner wrote Tannhauser. The Overture is about 15 minutes long.

Thank you. Of course - I was looking at the time for the whole concerto. That’s helpful, thank you. Though the adagio but is still 8 minutes…

Thank you Comefromaway.

I’m pretty sure he is laughing at my reaction to having to listen to 15 minutes of Wagner!

Could they be used as the walk in and walk out music?

Can you find out from the funeral director which music provider they are using?

I was in this position recently and the crematorium used Wesley Media, which included abbreviated versions, as well as the full ones, eg for the Tannhauser Overture there is a 3-minute version: wesleymedia.co.uk/music-search

I just made sure the funeral director knew which version to request - not a great solution for the music purists, but at least you will be honouring the request!

Could be worse I guess, Stockhausen?

I’ve just checked and you are right the Tannhauser is for coming in. There is something different for going out (which is fine and sorted). Not sure when the violin will be but will work that out.

This is amazingly helpful thank you. This would solve everything and I will check with the funeral director! I’ll make it up from a purist perspective by listening to the whole version myself!

I dread to think what that is!

We often joked with each other about his love of Wagner. He was convinced I’d love it if I tried it.

If it's a cremation they may have a set catalogue and it can't take additions, check they vary - 3 mins is the sort of length music you need, look for an except