Memorial service songs: classical music, hymns and instrumentals
Music can play an important role in memorial services. Explore 10 beautiful and varied hymns, instrumentals and classical pieces you can play.
Memorial services often include music. It's a way of reflecting the personality and interests of the person who died and setting the mood for the occasion.
Increasingly, the nature of the occasion will depend on the wishes of the family and the person who died. Memorial services are typically less formal than funerals and often take place after the person has been put to rest.
The tone can be anything from solemn to celebratory. This opens up a lot of choices for music, readings and eulogies. The choice of music can also be affected by the use of memorial slideshows, typically backed with instrumental music.
Sometimes, choosing music for a memorial service is easy, especially if the person who died was a music lover. At other times, it can be hard to know which song or instrumental would strike the right mood.
In this guide, we explore 10 beautiful and moving pieces that would suit a memorial service. We hope it helps.
Classical music for a memorial service
Edward Elgar: "Nimrod" from Enigma Variations
This orchestral piece by Edward Elgar is one of the most frequently performed pieces at memorial services in the UK. It's played every year at the Cenotaph in London and was played at the funerals of Prince Philip, Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II.
It moves from quiet contemplation to a powerful emotional climax, creating a stirring atmosphere that's suitable for memorial services of all kinds.
Samuel Barber: "Adagio for Strings"
Taken from his String Quartet, Op. 11, this piece by American composer Samuel Barber is a moving, solemn work. It has been played at many state funerals, but it's a popular choice for memorial services, too.
Described by Alexander J. Morion as "full of pathos and cathartic passion", "Adagio for Strings" is famous for a reason. Many versions are available. We've chosen a beautiful performance by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
J.S. Bach: "Air on the G String"
The pieces by Elgar and Barber are full of cathartic passion. This piece by Bach is gentler and more serene and is often chosen for its peaceful atmosphere.
It's often performed by a string orchestra with harpsichord accompaniment, as in our example. There are, however, many other arrangements available.
Christian hymns for memorial services
"Abide with Me"
"Abide with Me" is familiar to many church congregations and often makes a comforting addition to funeral services in the UK and beyond.
It can be heard in solo performances as well as choral versions (such as our example from the CBSO Chorus). Its message of God's presence in times of darkness makes it ideal for memorial services of all kinds.
"The Lord is my Shepherd" (Psalm 23)
"The Lord is my Shepherd" is a hymn about trust, comfort and guidance at times of grief and other difficulties. The words are taken from Psalm 23:
Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me,
And in God's house forever more
My dwelling place shall be
The most popular version is sung to the tune of "Crimond", but there's another famous version by John Rutter. The version above is sung by Bryn Terfel.
"Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer"
"Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer" is the English version of the Welsh hymn "Cwm Rhondda". It asks God for strength and guidance in a "barren land":
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death, and hell's destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan's side.
At a time of grief, this can be a comforting message set to a stirring melody.
Instrumental music for a memorial service
Ennio Morricone: "Gabriel's Oboe"
The Italian composer Ennio Morricone wrote this for the 1986 film The Mission.
The oboe has a plaintive, gentle sound, and this piece takes great advantage of these qualities.
As well as the version from the soundtrack, "Gabriel's Oboe" has been orchestrated, made into choral arrangements and sung with lyrics.
"Goin' Home"
Based on the slow movement from Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 (known as the "New World" symphony), this piece has been set in many different ways.
All of them share its lyrical, tender melody that can help conjure up feelings of homecoming and peace. At a time of loss and mourning, it can comfort people to think of death as a homecoming as well as a departure.
"Fields of Gold"
With its Irish folk tones, "Fields of Gold" is a popular choice for memorial services. People often go for the vocal versions by Sting or Eva Cassidy, but we've chosen an instrumental version.
Even without its comforting lyrics, the gentle melody and instrumentation of this version by Sting evoke images of nostalgia and love.
"Highland Cathedral"
For centuries, bagpipers have played at funerals. There's an extensive repertoire to choose from. We've decided, however, to go with a classic: "Highland Cathedral", written by German musicians Ulrich Roever and Michael Korb in the early 1980s.
Known in Scottish Gaelic as "Cathair-eaglais na Gàidhealtachd", its stately yet uplifting melody makes it a popular choice at memorial services.
Based in London, Akshardham Funeral Directors provides a range of funeral services along with compassionate, step-by-step advice for family members. If you're planning a memorial service, why not explore our blog for more ideas?
