Funeral Music

Live music for Funerals

No Sad Songs logo No Sad Songs brings a welcome new dimension to funerals. At short notice we can provide a fine live performance of almost any music or poetry you request. We possess a unique combination of musical knowledge and funeral experience which will help you plan the ceremony. We can take care of all musical details and also provide personally designed service leaflets. Our musicians, as well as being soloists, are drawn from the top British ensembles and choirs. Our music brings life, dignity and meaning to what can be a harrowing experience, and you will leave the service feeling better than when you arrived. Nothing can be more memorable than a private performance of a beautiful piece of music; it is the perfect way to say goodbye to someone you love. www.nosadsongs.co.uk

A History of Funeral Music

photo of a white cross against the blue sky Historically the view of music for funerals was very sombre. We expected to hear a few traditional hymns and perhaps a funeral march, and several classical composers have included music in this vein within their compositions. The most famous of these are from Chopin's Piano Sonata, Beethoven's Third and some of the symphonies of Mahler. The folk music of various countries often includes examples which are suitable for funerals. The celtic music of Scotland and Ireland and other countries includes a type of music called a "lament", many of which were composed for specific funerals or tragic events. One style of "lament" is played on a solo bagpipe, but others are folk songs or instrumentals which can be played by a variety of instruments.

These days there is much more flexibility, and the music for a funeral service or subsequent wake may include favourites of the deceased, songs ancient and modern, and general expressions of love, tenderness and even humour. Among celebrity examples of the latter trend are Glen Miller's "In the Mood" played at Peter Seller's service, not because he liked it but because he hated it and wanted to play a joke on his fellow Goons. Eric Idle's rendition of "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" was especially poignant at the funeral of fellow Python Graham Chapman. It should also be noted that the approach to funeral music differs across the world, and a mood of joy is as common as one of sadness. Think of the funeral scenes in the Bond film Live and Let Die where a funeral dirge breaks out into lively Dixieland Jazz.

Suitable funeral music from the mfiles catalogue:

photo of a church with a cemetery in the foreground Here are some suggestions from the mfiles catalogue (both the classical and traditional sections). If you want an organist or other musicians to play at a funeral, these sheet music examples are a good guide to suitable music. (There are also MP3 and MIDI versions available for each of these items.) You will notice that some of these are also in the Wedding section, because gentle classical music can be quite versatile in this respect, however for some of these pieces you might want to consider using a slower tempo when played during a funeral.

Classical Music for Funerals

Hymns, Folk and other Traditional Music for Funerals

The last three items above are often considered to be hymns. Here are some additional Hymns and some folk music suitable for funeral ceremonies, plus some bugle calls which are frequently used at military funerals or remembrance day events.

Original Music Suitable for Funerals

For original suggestions listed on ScoreExchange, try the following:




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