Using music at funerals
Charles Preen
Music often plays a central role at funerals. At crematoria there will almost always be music played as you arrive for a service and as you leave. There will also be hymns and music played behind pictures of the deceased. But unless the deceased has made specific provision, how do you choose the right piece of music?
A company called Obitus provides the technical ability to stream music, play videos and show pictures at funeral services. They also provide a Top Ten of the most popular pieces of music currently being used. What the music is we’ll get to in a moment and I’m sure you can guess what some of the tunes might be.
But what is top of the charts, what is the Obitus number one? This may come as something of a surprise as the singer is not especially well known, but her story is worth telling.
She was born on 2nd February 1963 and died aged 33 on 2nd November 1996. Although an accomplished singer she was virtually unknown outside her native Washington, D.C. at the time of her death.
Two years later, Terry Wogan started playing her versions of ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ and ‘Fields of Gold’ on his Radio 2 show. There was an immediate and overwhelming response from listeners.
Soon afterwards an album ‘Songbird’ was released and went straight to the top of the charts. Her popularity has remained constant and as many of you will know her name is Eva Cassidy. ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’ is number one on the Obitus chart.
Perhaps it’s the story of her life and untimely death that adds resonance to her beautiful take on the song made famous originally by Judy Garland. Her voice has the power to both move and comfort those who listen.
The rest of the Obitus chart currently looks like this:
Frank Sinatra: My Way
Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman: Time to say goodbye
Bette Midler: Wind beneath my wings
Gerry and The Pacemakers: You’ll never walk alone
Vera Lynn: We’ll meet again
Ed Sheeran: Supermarket Flowers
Edward Elgar: Nimrod from Enigma variations
Nat King Cole: Unforgettable
Louis Armstrong: Wonderful World
Just outside the top ten are ‘Bridge over troubled water’ by Simon and Garfunkel and Eric Idle’s ‘Always look on the bright side of life’ for those looking for a slightly less reverent take on funeral music.
Music has an incredible power to console those who have lost a loved one. Choosing the right music should be a pleasure that provides reassurance and joy at an emotional time.