“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on…”
Irving Berlin, Songwriter
Music plays a significant part in funeral services, helping to create the right tone and atmosphere for a fitting tribute or memorial. As with other uniquely personal events there is no right or wrong choice and whilst some music is associated with funeral services families also like to have the flexibility to incorporate music which meant something to their loved one or had particular associations with happy memories. If you’re looking for a funeral organist in East Sussex, Richard is based in the area and is the third generation of organist in his family.
During a church wedding ceremony, you will generally have music at the following points.
Pre-Service
Richard will generally play background music for up to thirty minutes or so before the ceremony is due to begin. Your guests may be travelling from some distance and will be keen to avoid a last-minute rush.
Music at this point is there to create an atmosphere of reflection, mingled with the conversations of your guests as they gather. It should not be seen as a recital, and you should remember that if members of the close family are entering with the coffin, they will not be present at this point.
This comes to say a very sincere thank you for playing the organ at my partner’s funeral on Thursday.
It made the service come alive with beautiful music at the beginning of the service, rousing hymns and a joyful Hornpipe at the end, Nigel would have loved it.
I hope to hear more of your playing in the future. I told you my mother was an organist and choirmaster for many years at a church in Tunbridge Wells so to hear the restored organ played so well brought back wonderful memories.
SB (Mrs)
Some families choose a favourite piece or two for this part of the service which will generally be played just before the service is due to start.
The Entrance of the Coffin
Immediately before the coffin arrives the congregation will be asked to stand. Music is then played while the coffin enters the church. Some ministers walk in front of the coffin reciting sentences of scripture and in this case music will need to be muted to allow the congregation to hear the minister.
You should check with the Minister taking the service in the event that you seek to choose a piece of music which would normally be played in a more stirring manner. The following pieces are popular:
- Largo – Handel
- Nimrod from Enigma Variations – Elgar
Hymns
Most families have two or three hymns during the funeral service It is something that you need to discuss and agree with the Minister taking your service.
Just to say thank you very much for playing at Service of Thanksgiving on Wednesday. We all felt it was a very fitting, joyous farewell.
Thank you for sourcing the sheet music for the medley of music from, The Sound of Music which was a great favourite. With very best wishes from all the family.
LC
Whilst some choose hymns because they like the lyrics, or because they have a special association with the loved one, it is generally best to choose hymns that are fairly well known, so that the majority of guests are able to join in.
These are some of the many that have become popular choices at funerals:-
- Crimmond – The Lords My Shepherd
- Praise My Soul the King of Heaven
- Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer
- Jerusalem (And did those feet in ancient time)
- All Things Bright and Beautiful
- Amazing Grace
- Make Me A Channel of Your Peace
- Lord of All Hopefulness
- Abide with Me
- Eternal Father Strong to Save
Music for reflection
Sometimes families like to include time for quiet reflection to recall individual memories. A quiet piece of music helps to create the right atmosphere for this
- Nimrod from Enigma Variations – Elgar
- Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach
- Sheep May Safely Graze – Bach
The Recessional
Remember that, above all, it is your choice to make your ceremony personal to you. Richard will do his best to help and advise on the possibilities, particularly to make sure that your preference will work with the instrument that is available in your local Church.
This piece of music is the last memory of the ceremony and is played while the coffin leaves the church. Choices are personal with some preferring a stirring final exit while others prefer something more reflective:
- O’ for the Wings of a Dove – Mendelssohn
- Nun Danket alle Gott – Sigfrid Karg-Elert
- Adagio – Albinoni
- Adagio for Strings – Barber
Remember that, above all, it is your choice to make your ceremony personal to you. Richard will do his best to help and advise on the possibilities, particularly to make sure that your preference will work with the instrument that is available in your local Church. So if you’re looking for a funeral organist in East Sussex, get in touch.
If you’d like to hear some examples of funeral pieces that Richard can play, see below.
Get in Touch
If you’re planning a Funeral, and looking for an organist in East Sussex, you’re more than welcome contact Richard and check availability here.