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Original poster

Music for Funeral

59 replies

PlainVanilla · 11/05/2019 20:26

My mother died unexpectedly in her sleep recently. I am in charge of the funeral, most of which has been sorted, but I need a few ideas on the music front.
As she was well past 85 my siblings and I agree that we want a celebration, so no mourning.
I have an idea for the entrance music and we could use the same as our father had for the exit, which was very well received and rather "unusual", but if anyone would be kind enough to make a few suggestions I would be most grateful.

OP posts:
Innersmellbow · 11/05/2019 20:53

James 'Moving On'? if its not too strange for you op - the video is very touching.

My brother had Christina Perry 'A thousand years' but by The Piano Guys.

Innersmellbow · 11/05/2019 20:54

Perri

Innersmellbow · 11/05/2019 20:55

We also had Leonard Cohen's 'dance me to the end of love' for the exit.

greenelephantscarf · 11/05/2019 20:55

dvorak 'new world' symphony, largo
m.youtube.com/watch?v=uCydQm83cJQ
beethoven moonlight sonata

Theworldisfullofgs · 11/05/2019 20:57

My mum loved the archers so we played that. Was there anything she loved?

greenelephantscarf · 11/05/2019 20:57

did she have a favourite tv show?
for a relative we played mission impossible (old style) as he was a superfan.

Original poster
PlainVanilla · 12/05/2019 22:26

I am so sorry but none of these suggestions would be appropriate.

OP posts:
IncognitaIgnorama · 12/05/2019 22:29

Nimrod?

Or are you after choral music/hymns? If so, Now the Green Blade Riseth, Thine be the Glory and Jesus Christ is Risen Today - all uplifting but also relevant for funerals.

Condolences on the death of your mother Flowers

Pipandmum · 12/05/2019 22:33

I played some of the music from our wedding for my husband’s service. Gymnopedie No1 by Satie.

RomaineCalm · 12/05/2019 22:37

So sorry for the loss of your mum. 💐

What did she like doing? Did she have a favourite TV programme or film choice? Was she into a particular sport - even as a spectator? Was there any music that you remember her playing or singing along to at home or on long car journeys? Was there a part of the country or place that she lived, visited or spoke about?

Tolleshunt · 12/05/2019 22:37

What was she like as a person? We had 'Smile' by Nat King Cole at my Grandad's funeral, as he loved the song, and was always really smiley.

Another lovely somg for a funeral, which was written for the purpose, is 'Remember Me' by Christy Hennessy

ChairPoseKills · 12/05/2019 22:38

Samuel Barber adagio for strings - choral version - is particularly beautiful.

So sorry for your loss, OP.

TigerDroveAgain · 12/05/2019 22:41

I’ve had to do the same recently. We had Nimrod at the beginning and the Lark Ascending at the end. The latter was really poignant. Hope you’re ok, OP, a difficult time.

OllyBJolly · 12/05/2019 22:42

Maybe something a bit better known but still traditional?

Make me a channel of your peace (maybe the Sinead O'Connor version?)

Our Lord Reigns

How Great Thou Art

or more modern

My heart will go on (Celine Dion)

You'll never walk alone (Gerry and the Pacemakers)

Sorry for your loss Flowers

TwoBlueFish · 12/05/2019 22:43

For my MIL funeral we had Shirley Basey My Way to exit, Vera Lynn Amazing Grace in the middle and Tom Jones Somewhere Over The Rainbow for coming in. She was 83.

Tolleshunt · 12/05/2019 22:43

Sorry, it's Christie, not Christy

m.youtube.com/watch?v=ptIWtHSVqGI

So sorry for your loss, PlainVanilla

mehimthem · 12/05/2019 22:44

Katie Melua - "10,000 Bicycles in Beijing". I heard this music played at a funeral for a dear friend & have thought it to be both lovely, & sad.

I also really liked a song Over the Rainbow, played by a Hawaiian man with a ukulele, I cannot recall his name, but it was long & difficult to pronounce (Israel or Isaac something, maybe ?? ). This music was played at my father's service - specially for the ukelele, the title too summed him up.
Hope you find something that suits your mother though

Redglitter · 12/05/2019 22:44

I am so sorry but none of these suggestions would be appropriate

Give us some ideas of the kind of thing you want. Along what lines are you thinking

pasbeaucoupdegendarme · 12/05/2019 22:48

Are you asking for suggestions for entrance/exit music, or hymns for the congregation to sing, or something just to listen and think to... or all of those things?!

Was she a religious person, or at least would she have wanted something with religious references?

I’m sure you will put together a lovely celebration for her.

SmokeAndBone · 12/05/2019 22:51

I agree with all the PPs who are asking for more information about what she liked.
There are no 'set pieces' for these occasions and so the music will be more meaningful if it is linked to your mum in some way.
You don't only have to think of songs/music either - what about birdsong, the sound of the waves, the shipping forecast, TV and film theme tunes....

Littlefish · 12/05/2019 22:53

Benedictus by Karl Jenkins.

Dillyson · 12/05/2019 22:57

My mother died earlier this year. We chose 4 of her favourite songs.

thelastgoldeneagle · 12/05/2019 23:02

We had ‘I am what I am’ by Shirley Bassey for my 96yo Mil earlier this year.

woodcutbirds · 12/05/2019 23:03

Play music you associate with her. Songs she loved when you were growing up or that she sang to you as a child. Were there any records she kept playing or artists she really loved?

Mrsmadevans · 12/05/2019 23:21

We had 'in an English country garden' for my MIL who was 82 .