Music for a funeral/remembrance service.

Posted by: JamieL on 07 May 2008

I know this is a bit of a morbid subject, but I did see it discussed a great deal on the forum for one particular band last year, and felt it might be an interesting, and useful topic to post here. It is something that many do make specific requests about.

I have had in my mind for a long time one piece of music I would like to be played at the service after my passing, William Walton - Henry V Suite 'Touch Her Soft Lips and Part' (EMI Classics, Carl Davis, London Philharmonic Orchestra is the version I know).

I am sure there are other pieces I would like to have played as well, probably something fun or plain silly.

I do not know the specific piece of music, but at Peter Sellars' funeral the minister in charge made an announcement that next would be played a piece of music that Peter had requested as he dearly loved it, and it meant a great deal to him. What followed was his most hated piece of music, and caused much muffled laughter among his fellow Goons as a final joke by Peter Sellers.

Sadly this last week I had to choose music for the service for my father's service, as he had not left any specific requests. I know that he loved romantic English orchestral music, and with the help of my uncle, we chose the 3rd and 4th movements of Vaughan Williams 5th Symphony, for the entrance and exit of the service. This fitted very well, although they were faded, 10 minutes entry and exit would be a bit much.

I also remember that at the 2001 proms a few days after 9/11 Leonard Slatkin spoke beautifully of the British and American pieces of music of national mourning. Elgar 'Nimrod' from the 'Enigma Variations' for the British and Samuel Barber 'Adagio for Strings' for the Americans.

Incidentally that very moving version of 'Adagio for Strings' is on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRMz8fKkG2g

Elgar's Cello Concerto must also be mentioned as another piece of mourning music, I remember hearing that on the radio on whilst on holiday in the days after the death of Diana Princess of Wales.

The forum (well Yahoo group) on which this was discussed last year was the Tangerine Dream group, many of who felt that 'Sequent C' from the album 'Phaedra' would be their choice.

I wonder if anyone would choose Led Zeppelin - 'In My Time of Dying' to see them off, it is quite tempting.

Jamie

(Please limit any replies to talking solely about music, this is a music forum, and also loss is quite a personal thing)
Posted on: 10 May 2008 by u5227470736789439
Dear Philippe,

I should think that Mozart's Requiem might make a splendid sort of music to base an entire Funeral service on, but my goodness for it to be done well would cost a few pennies! The trouble for me with it is that if Mozart had a strong faith then he certainly feared eternal damnation, and this shows in the music which is very dark.

I would much prefer this! Haydn's Te Deum Laudamus. There is a certain depth to it - realised as the musical clouds darken the light at just after 3 minutes in - in this performance by the Vienna Boys Choir [in Holland a few years ago], but which maintains an uplift of emotion to the very end after that! I tend to think that too much music at Funerals is sad and depressing. That is the last thing Funeral Music should be in my view. Really the whole thing should be a situation of saying, "Thanks for knowing you my dear departed friend!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WehL-d5Nocc&feature=related

Only a thought, but the darkness should be for a personal reaction and one felt in profound sadness at the loss of the possibility of conversing again. The sadness at the loss of someone in death is essentially self-centred and which in my view has no place at the public event of a funeral. I do realise many will hold entirely contrary views, and I respect that. However, if I have anything to do with organising my own funeral, I want it to be rather a joyful event!

George
Posted on: 10 May 2008 by FlyMe
quote:
Posted Fri 09 May 2008 21:45 Hide Post
quote:
At my sisters funeral she requested Dido's lament sung by Jessye Norman.


Hey FlyMe, very nice. This is the selection of Purcell that I picked a couple of posts back although my recording of it started it a bit earlier back in the text. The words for the lament in particular are - When I am laid in earth, may my wrongs create, No trouble in thy breast, Remember me, but ah! forget my fate.

Obviously a man of great taste Doug. The words were very apt for my sister who died leaving two children behind following a battle against cancer - too morbid for a sunny day. Needless to say it has me in tears every time I hear it - it use to do that before she died too!

Maybe I could have Ethel Merman singing "Another opening - another night" - but not the disco version.
Posted on: 10 May 2008 by Gianluigi Mazzorana
http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=QorkFwpOo6E
Posted on: 12 May 2008 by winkyincanada
quote:
Originally posted by fred simon:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by JamieL:



Touch Her Soft Lips and Part is one of my most favorite pieces of music. The first version I heard was the exceptionally lovely recording, on As It Is (ECM), by drummer Peter Erskine, pianist John Taylor, and acoustic bassist Palle Danielsson.

Also, I often play this piece on gigs, especially at weddings and anniversaries. And some funerals. In my opinion it's perfect for all, and that's a big part of its genius ... its timelessness and universality.

All best,
Fred




Have you heard Mike Nock's interpretation on "Touch"? Beautiful.