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In times of grief and loss, the power of music to console, connect, and commemorate the lives of those we hold dear is immeasurable. Bagpipe music, with its hauntingly evocative tones and deep cultural roots, offers a beautiful way to honour the memory of loved ones during funeral ceremonies.
- 6 min
- Barber – Adagio for Strings. The solemn sadness of this music has meant Barber’s Adagio for Strings has been used to mark many important and sombre moments outside of the concert hall.
- Mahler – ‘Adagietto’ (Symphony No. 5) There’s something incredibly calming about the exquisite ‘Adagietto’ movement of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony. When the symphony emerged in 1901, Mahler had just been forced to resign as conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic after falling seriously ill.
- Elgar – Nimrod. Thanks to its glorious swelling melody, ‘Nimrod’ has played a frequent part at weddings, sporting and even Royal events – but it’s also become a much-cherished piece at funerals.
- Percy Grainger – Irish Tune from County Derry. It’s impossible to resist the inevitable tear this piece brings to the eye. Its tender opening and glorious high notes echo moments of ‘Danny Boy’ – but it’s the magnificent French horn section in this piece that gives Percy Grainger’s ‘Irish Tune’ its character.
- Chase Downs
- Amazing Grace – Traditional. Download on Spotify. Download on Apple Music. Listen on YouTube.
- Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler. Download on Spotify. Download on Apple Music. Listen on Youtube.
- His Eye is on the Sparrow – Mahalia Jackson. Download on Spotify. Download on Apple Music. Listen on Youtube.
- My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion. Download on Spotify. Download on Apple Music. Listen on Youtube.
- “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton. Genre: Soft Rock. "Tears in Heaven" has been one of the best known funeral songs for decades. Eric Clapton wrote the song after losing his 4-year-old son in a tragic accident in 1991.
- “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth. Genre: Pop, Rap "See You Again" quickly became a popular funeral song after being featured in the Fast and the Furious franchise's send off to actor Paul Walker after he died in a car crash.
- “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross. Genre: Pop. "Dance With My Father" is a popular song selected for a father's funeral. The song talks about the fond memories Luther has of his father, and how much he and his mother miss him.
- “Let Her Go” by Passenger. Genre: Folk Rock, Indie Rock Let her go is a melancholic song about missing someone and not appreciating what you had until it's gone.
- Con Te Partirò
- Adagio For Strings
- Irish Tune from County Derry
- Ave Maria
- Liebesträume No. 3
- Mad World
- Canon in D
- Adagietto
- Lux Aeterna
- Air on A G String
While other songs on this list also have a connection to death, Con Te Partiròpassionately and unapologetically embraces the emotions we often feel during a loss. This arrangement focuses on the separation we feel when a death occurs. It also highlights that the pain of our grief will not be at the forefront of our lives forever. Originally written...
Samuel Barber is widely regarded as the most talented American composer of his generation, and Adagio for Stringsis one of the reasons. Played on a full orchestra of strings, the song’s somber and solemn melody has been known to help those in grief. It paints an emotional backdrop for pain with hauntingly beautiful rises and falls. Barber’s classic...
If a string orchestra isn’t to your liking, the brass sections of Irish Tune from County Derry might be more appropriate. The arrangement’s soft opening is followed by a melodic resonance that brings the song to life. Composed by Percy Grainger, the piece focuses on powerful, positive notes that can help us remember the good memories of our loved o...
A timeless classic that’s recognized and loved by countless people, Ave Maria might be the most popular classical song for funerals. Many believe it’s the perfect piece for honoring loved ones, as it’s an adaptation of the traditional Roman Catholic prayer. Whether played or sung, this song can help bring our emotions to the surface, so that we may...
Piano and classical music go hand in hand for most of us. It only makes sense to include multiple wonderfully crafted piano arrangements that speak to the soul. Franz Liszt published three piano works in 1850, with Liebesträume No. 3 being his most popular. The piece was inspired by the poem O Lieb, so lang du lieben kannst (O love, so long as you ...
So many talented artists have covered Mad World since its release more than 40 years ago. While Dennis Korn’s piano version might be one of the newest, it certainly is moving and beautiful. Originally written by Roland Orzabal of the British band Tears of Fears, Mad World was born from Orzabal’s time of songwriting, in which he watched everyday peo...
It’s true, Johann Pachelbel’sclassic is traditionally a staple at weddings, but its powerful builds and remarkable harmonies also make it an impactful piece to celebrate the life of a loved one. The song’s quick tempo and moving melody can help us reflect on the positive memories we have of the deceased, rather than the pain we feel from their abse...
Another full orchestral piece, Gustav Mahler’s Adagietto (Symphony No. 5)brings inspirations of peace and sadness. Mahler wrote this eerily captivating arrangement soon after he fell seriously ill and had to resign as conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic. It’s possible his failing health inspired him to write such a moving piece that features incre...
Performed by British vocal ensemble VOCES8, this a cappella version is sung with warmth and beauty. It’s hard to believe there are no instruments involved. The voices that echo Edward Elgar’s glorious swelling melody have been heard at weddings, funerals, and even events for the British monarchy. As one of 14 pieces Elgar dedicated to cherished fri...
No list of classical music, no matter the circumstances, would be complete without Johann Sebastian Bach. Based off Bach’s No. 3 in D Major, August Wilhelmj composed this arrangement in 1871 and offers a gentle pulse that truly is the key to the piece’s popularity. The song’s moving violin section, steady base, and perfectly accompanied organ creat...
So, we've put together a list of wedding songs that can be dedicated to the deceased. If you are getting married and want to honor a loved one by asking your DJ or band to add a special song at the wedding reception, here is a list of beautiful yet bittersweet songs for your consideration.
People also ask
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Weddings, anniversaries, and funerals are all events where classical music, with its diversity and range, can set the stage for any important commemoration. A funeral is one such occasion where classical songs can honor you or your loved one in just the right way.
