Set lists: Funerals
Funerals. As morbid as they are, it is part of the rite of passage of a singer. Most funerals are last minute, so as a singer it is up to YOU to have repertoire prepared that covers most genres. The families might ask for your opinion in picking music but others may have some chosen. Be prepared to sing 2-3 songs, but again, depending on the family you could sing more or less.
Different kinds of funerals based on other cultures and religions may require you to sing in the native language or in the language preferred to the family. Remember, you are there to comfort and guide the family and friends in their grieving process.
Modern Music:
Most modern music will be folk songs, songs from the 20's - 40's and ballads.
A few suggestions are:
May the road rise to meet you (celtic folk song)
Danny boy (traditional folk song)
What a wonderful world - Louis Armstrong
Over the Rainbow - Judy garland
Candle in the wind - Elton John
Amazing grace (traditional folk song)
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
You are my sunshine
You belong to me - Jo Stafford
We'll meet again -
Every time we say goodbye -
The white cliffs of dover (traditional folk song)
Autumn leaves (traditional folk song)
Deep peace (gaelic blessing)
Shenandoah (traditional folk song)
For some funerals being held for children, think about singing a Disney song could be a good idea. One of the sweeter ones of course like when you wish upon a star (pinocchio) , when you were mine (toy story 2) or you'll be in my heart (tarzan)
Classical:
With classical music, opera, lieder, chanson, hymns, requiem, etc are all acceptable.
The pieces picked are more subdued and most of these pieces sound best with accompaniment, so if there is the option to work with an accompanist or a small ensemble, make sure you rehearse with them at least once.
The evening prayer - hazel and gretel *
(*this piece is for two voices. Ideally soprano and alto. The text is very fitting for a child's funeral. Can be sung in English or german)
Ave Maria - bach/gounods
Ave Maria - Schubert
Ave Maria - caccini
Pie jesu - faure
Ave verum corpus - Mozart
O rest in the Lord - Mendelssohn
bist du bei mir - bach
An die musik - Schubert
Widmung - Franz
Les berceaux - faure
In schtiler nacht -
O Mio babbino Caro - puccini
The world feels dusty - Copland
Pourquoi me reveiller - massenet *tenor voice and better with accompaniment
You may be wondering about hymns. Hymns are very specific in regards to religion and the families. Sometimes there will be hymns pre-chosen by the family or the church and it is up to you to learn it to the highest caliber possible.
There are many that you can look up online and find, and they tend to be fairly simple!
I hope this helps especially leading into November and Remembrance Day ceremonies!
Until next time,
Tessa
Different kinds of funerals based on other cultures and religions may require you to sing in the native language or in the language preferred to the family. Remember, you are there to comfort and guide the family and friends in their grieving process.
Modern Music:
Most modern music will be folk songs, songs from the 20's - 40's and ballads.
A few suggestions are:
May the road rise to meet you (celtic folk song)
Danny boy (traditional folk song)
What a wonderful world - Louis Armstrong
Over the Rainbow - Judy garland
Candle in the wind - Elton John
Amazing grace (traditional folk song)
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
You are my sunshine
You belong to me - Jo Stafford
We'll meet again -
Every time we say goodbye -
The white cliffs of dover (traditional folk song)
Autumn leaves (traditional folk song)
Deep peace (gaelic blessing)
Shenandoah (traditional folk song)
For some funerals being held for children, think about singing a Disney song could be a good idea. One of the sweeter ones of course like when you wish upon a star (pinocchio) , when you were mine (toy story 2) or you'll be in my heart (tarzan)
Classical:
With classical music, opera, lieder, chanson, hymns, requiem, etc are all acceptable.
The pieces picked are more subdued and most of these pieces sound best with accompaniment, so if there is the option to work with an accompanist or a small ensemble, make sure you rehearse with them at least once.
The evening prayer - hazel and gretel *
(*this piece is for two voices. Ideally soprano and alto. The text is very fitting for a child's funeral. Can be sung in English or german)
Ave Maria - bach/gounods
Ave Maria - Schubert
Ave Maria - caccini
Pie jesu - faure
Ave verum corpus - Mozart
O rest in the Lord - Mendelssohn
bist du bei mir - bach
An die musik - Schubert
Widmung - Franz
Les berceaux - faure
In schtiler nacht -
O Mio babbino Caro - puccini
The world feels dusty - Copland
Pourquoi me reveiller - massenet *tenor voice and better with accompaniment
You may be wondering about hymns. Hymns are very specific in regards to religion and the families. Sometimes there will be hymns pre-chosen by the family or the church and it is up to you to learn it to the highest caliber possible.
There are many that you can look up online and find, and they tend to be fairly simple!
I hope this helps especially leading into November and Remembrance Day ceremonies!
Until next time,
Tessa
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