 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Eileen
Date: 2003-04-21 18:42
The father of one of my best friends passed away over the weekend. I offered to play a piece at the funeral which will be a Catholic service. I'm not sure if an accompanist will be available and I will only have 1 or 2 days to practice. Any ideas on appropriate pieces which would be easy to play and readily available at a sheet music store?
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Author: Brian Peterson
Date: 2003-04-21 18:47
How about the "Forlorna" movement from the Finzi Bagatelles?
It was well received when I played it during Holy Week last week.
Brian Peterson
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Author: Tom Piercy
Date: 2003-04-21 18:48
I played at a friend's funeral mass and played the Bach " Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" and segued immediately into" Amazing Grace" - both without accompaniment. Beautiful music and fitting and sad.
All the best to you and your friend.
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2003-04-21 19:48
Sorry to hear about your loss. I played at a funeral only once and I must say it was one of the hardest things I ever did. I played an arrangement of the spiritual "Going Home", the same melody Dvorak used in the slow movement in the New World Symphony. I don't remember if I played it with or without accomp., but I think it would be beautiful either way.
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Author: Tim2
Date: 2003-04-21 19:54
I'm sorry about your friend's dad. Good suggestions already made.
Amazing Grace is something people will know. The people you play for may want something they are familiar with. Find a key that you can play it in the lower register. Key of C will work but key of D or E, if you can do it, might be better. Make each phrase long and smooth. Give time to breath between. (at least the first verse). After that, <b>don't rush</b>, it's not a race. Some variation in dynamics between verses will be good. Nothing too fancy, keep it simple. Be meditative. You have a chance to do something really nice and make people feel comfortable, and they will. What ever you do, it will go well.
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2003-04-21 21:27
I've played for many funerals, unfortunately.
My best feelings came from playing the second movement of the Mozart Concerto. You can make some judicious cuts if there's a time problem.
The opening of the Copland Concerto works nicely also.
Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend's father.
Good luck, it's a tough thing to pull off well,
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: William
Date: 2003-04-21 22:12
When I played for my Catholic mother-in-law's funeral, I did "Ave Maria," with piano accompaniment and "Oh Danny Boy" (my wife's personal request), solo, at the end. After the service, I wished that I would have continued with "Irish Lullaby" at the end--one of my deceased father-in-laws favorite "Irish" tunes. However, what I played was well received and appreciated by all. Familiar tunes, played from your heart, are best for trying times like these. Sorry for your loss.
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Author: PJ
Date: 2003-04-22 03:28
I recently played a piece on piano called Smointe (Celtic for Memories) at a funeral. The lady who wrote it said it was in memory of her grand parents. Very emotional and well written. I also played this at my grandmother's funeral and had the piece dedicated to her in the program.
A good suggestion might be one of the first four movements of Vaugh Williams Six Studies In English Folk Song. These are great little pieces, readily available at music stores and sound good without accompaniment.
Sorry about the loss and best of luck to you as you try to comfort your friend.
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2003-04-22 04:02
Add the Malotte "Our Father" to the above excellent suggestions. You would need to transpose the vocal solo if you are accompanied, and most accompianists who do weddings and funerals will know it well.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2003-04-22 13:57
I think the best piece would be something familiar -- say, Amazing Grace. It would help to ask your friend what his father particularly liked.
For something wonderful, if less familar, try the "Pie Jesu" from the Faure Requiem. It needs organ accompaniment, which is very simple.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Eileen
Date: 2003-04-22 16:56
Thank you for all of the suggestions. Especially because tastefulness under the circumstances can be a tough call. Amazing Grace for sure and I will check out some of the other pieces. I actually did not know my friend's father (he was elderly and in a nursing home) but I will pass along all of the thoughtful condolences.
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Author: clarinetmama
Date: 2003-04-24 13:50
How about Deep River? It is Well with my Soul? In the Garden? (I sang this at my uncle's funeral, he did a lot of gardening and it was his favorite piece)
I sang at my grandma's funeral to a piece set to "Finlandia"....she was German and Swiss, but had an affinity for "Finlandia." I guess "The Happy Wanderer" was not an appropriate piece, although knowing my grandma she would have loved that.
Jean
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