Classical music to suggest for a funeral

Whilst most next-of-kin organising a funeral service will have a good idea about what music to play, there will be times when the next-of-kin is a bit stumped. 

It could be that the next of kin is not a very close relative of the person who has died. This is common for someone who has died in their 90s and who might not have had children. It could be that the person who has died, just wasn't into music. Not everyone has to be!

It is at times like these, that the next-of-kin will look to the funeral celebrant for some advice & guidance.

Here is a list of 10 lovely, traditional and quite neutral classical music pieces you could recommend for a funeral service.  
  • “Pastoral Symphony No.6 1st movement” by Beethoven. Famously written as a celebration to the natural world.
  • “Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo” by Mascagni. A short, gentle & beautiful instrumental piece from a one-act Italian opera.
  • “The Blue Danube Waltz” by Strauss. His most popular waltz, a favourite for those who ballroom dance.
  • “Adagio for Strings” by Barber. Solemn but beautiful, popular as a reflection piece of music.
  • “Adagietto movement from Symphony No. 5” by Mahler. Calming and moving.
  • “Air on G-string” by Bach. A gentle pulse-like piece with a rather "kinky sounding name" but very recognisable as the theme to the Hamlet cigar TV advert back in the day. How times have changed!
  • “Nimrod” from Elgar’s “Enigma” variations. Closely associated with Royal events, weddings and services of remembrance. There are many beautiful variations to choose including choral, orchestral, military & brass band.
  • “The Lark Ascending” by Vaughan Williams. An elegant string piece written to emulate the rise and fall of bird flight, its joy and freedom.
  • “Canon in D” by Pachelbel. A calming yet rhythmic piece with a steady repeating melody which is played as frequently at weddings as it is at funerals.
  • “Ave Maria” by Bach/Gounod. Either sung or played as an instrumental, it is a musical adaptation of the traditional Roman Catholic prayer. It is both uplifting and calming.

How can celebrants become more of a classical music expert?

If you don't already do so, I thoroughly recommend that you listen to Classic FM either on a few car journeys or in your office as you work. I find it very calming, fitting for celebrant writing and also very educational when it comes to classical music. 

It helps when working with families who know their classical music, to be able to recognise certain pieces either by sound or name. Listening to Classic FM will help.

Every Easter weekend, they count down the top 300 classical music pieces as part of their annual "Hall of Fame". It a classical music chart voted on by listeners. In the last few years, "The Lark Ascending" by Vaughan Williams has bagged the top spot. Then, throughout the year on every radio show throughout the day presenters will play tracks from the "Hall of Fame". It's an excellent way into the world of classical music and its not too high brow!
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