Searching for music for a memorial service? Here's a selection of wonderful music.
When I was creating a memorial service for my father I did a google search on "Memorial Service Music" thinking I might find a site with suggestions for music appropriate for such an occasion. I didn't find any, so decided to create this page to assist others who might be in similar circumstances.
Of course the best music may be
something that was a personal
favorite of the person you are
memorializing. But for setting
the mood before the ceremony or for
background during prayers or
reflection, the selections on this
list might be just what you need.
Click to listen to mp3 Sound Samples. Click to view album details.
Contemplative / Tranquil
The songs in this section are quiet, pretty instrumental works conducive to reflection or relaxation.
Song | Artist/Composer | Album | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Quietude | Kater and Nakai |
Migration |
Sparse piano over
quiet synthesizer.
Meditative. |
September Fifteenth (dedicated to Bill Evans) | Pat Metheny |
As Falls
Wichita, So Falls Wichita
Falls |
Delicate solo
guitar with synthesizer
background. |
Pacific II | Will Ackerman |
Past Light |
Melodic, pretty
guitar |
Starlight in a reflecting pool | Randall Leonard |
Melting
Snow/Thirsty Flowers |
Solo piano,
pretty, melodic. |
Soothing
These songs feature slightly more
involved arrangements or
orchestrations but maintain a calm
ambience.
Song | Artist/Composer | Album | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
By
The River |
Edgar Meyer |
Uncommon
Ritual |
Folk music. |
Bread
and Wine |
Peter Gabriel |
Passion |
Peaceful,
synthesizer and flutes. |
Southern
Jukebox Music |
Penguin Cafe
Orchestra |
When in Rome
|
Piano and
cello, melodic. |
Minor
Blue |
David Darling |
Eight-String Religion | Cello |
Of One
Heart, Of One Mind |
James Horner |
Soundtrack "A
Beautiful Mind" |
Clarinet,
flute, harp, strings; romantic
theme |
Classical
These are popular excerpts from
well-known concertos.
Song | Artist/Composer | Album |
---|---|---|
"Largo" Concerto in C major, RV 560. for two oboes, two clarinets and strings. | Vivaldi |
Wind Concertos |
Adagio
for Strings |
Samuel Barber |
Classical
Music 101 |
"Adagio" Oboe Concerto in D minor Op. 9 no. 2. | Albinoni |
Wind
Concertos |
Largo from
"Winter" |
Vivaldi |
The Four Seasons |
Evocative
These songs are a bit more moody or
evocative than others on this page.
Song | Artist/Composer | Album | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Mareta no'm faces plorar | Hespèrion Xxi
/ Anon.Alicante |
Ninna Nanna | Female Vocals,
pretty duet lullaby |
Wandering
Saint |
L. Subramaniam |
Soundtrack
from "Baraka" |
Spacey, ambient
music with slightly moody
tones. |
Wolf
Eyes |
Paul Winter |
Common Ground | Simple piano chords accompany a saxophone played in the style of a mournful wolf howl. |
Devorzhum |
Dead Can Dance |
SpiritChaser
|
Evocative, moody
female vocal |
Choral
My favorites, this magnificent music
will transport you to another
dimension.
Song | Artist/Composer | Album | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
O
vos omnes |
Tomas Luis de
Victoria |
The
Sixteen 'The Flowering
of Genius ' |
Beautiful,
renaissance choral piece. |
With
this love - choir |
Peter Gabriel |
Passion | Moving, lovely
choral piece. |
Service |
Kater and
Nakai |
Migration | Wonderful,
celebrating the end of the
journey. |
Requiem |
Faure |
Agnus Dei
(compilation) |
Angelic,
inspiring |
Traditional
These are traditional American spirituals, hymns, and blues.
Song | Artist/Composer | Album | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Amazing Grace | Robert Shaw
Festival Singers |
American
Hymns & Spirituals |
Always popular. |
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot | Robert Shaw
Festival Singers |
American
Hymns & Spirituals |
Sung by a large
choir. |
Shall we gather at the river? | Anonymous 4 |
American
Angels |
A simple,
lovely rendition by four
beautiful singers. |
Death Don't Have No Mercy | John Martyn |
The Church
With One Bell |
soulful blues |
Popular (Vocals)
If you are looking for songs with lyrics, these are contemporary popular songs with themes of mortality, loss, or hope.
Song | Artist/Composer | Album | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Over
the Rainbow |
Israel
Kamakawiwo'ole |
Ka `Ano` i |
Upbeat,
delightful cover of a classic |
Tears
in heaven |
Eric Clapton |
Unplugged |
Sad but hopeful |
Tapestry |
Carole King |
Tapestry |
Folk. |
Knocking
on Heaven's door |
Bob Dylan |
Essential Bob
Dylan |
Folk. |
For a Dancer | Jackson Browne |
Late for the
Sky |
Ballad |
Exile |
Enya |
Watermark |
Dreamy, new age. |
Take
it with me |
Jubilant Sykes | Wait for Me |
A tearjerker,
touching lyrics and silky
baritone vocal. |
Jazz
You may not initially consider Jazz as a style relevant to memorial services as they have a strong character, but they can capture the essence of some individuals in a way not possible with other music.
Song | Artist/Composer | Album | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Flamenco
Sketches |
Miles Davis |
Kind of Blue
|
Rich, moody. |
Loving You | Trotter Trio |
Soundtrack "Passion in Jazz" | Solo piano |
Notes:
In some cases I created abbreviated versions or took excerpts from the original recordings to play during the service. For example, "When in Rome" is a live album so I digitally omitted the audience applause. I recommend the wonderful free tool, Audacity, that is a snap to use for editing music files.
Comments? Suggestions? Feedback? Please e-mail:
This page is created in memory of my father, Howard C. Dalbey, 1921 - 2006.