Music for someone with a terminal illness

Posted by: warwick on 15 December 2008

I have a friend who has cancer and the doctor's
diagnosis isn't good. I'd like to send him some
cd's (cd-r)in the post.

I'm thinking of Mahler's 9th & 10th Symphonies.
But I'm worried that they'd be too funereal.

Other works: Bach Cello Suites, Beethoven symphonies, Mozart 40 & 41 Symphonies.

Eric Clapton unplugged, Talk Talk, Blue Nile, Leonard Cohen, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd.

Any ideas. I'm youngish, so not had to think about such matter before. Thanks.

Posted on: 15 December 2008 by Guido Fawkes

I would think something with a lighter touch might be more appropriate, but without knowing the person, it's very hard. Of course HMHB (Achtung Bono)would always cheer me up, as would a constant stream of Shirley Collins.

However what about some Tom Lehrer or Scott Walker (Scott 2) or some Bonzo Dog Band?

I hope whatever you choose makes you friend feel better and hope things are as good as they possible can be.

ATB Rotf

Posted on: 15 December 2008 by mikeeschman

what sort of music does your friend like?

talk to him about it, if you can.

it's hard to predict how this will affect him. his needs and wants may be quite different from what you expect.

he may even prefer conversation, or silence, to music.