Explore the power of music in funeral & cremation ceremonies. Discover music options at crematoriums, benefits of music systems like Wesley Media & Obitus, and plan a meaningful farewell with Variety Funerals™.

Music has played a profound role in human history, weaving its way into celebrations, rituals, and even moments of grief. Funeral ceremonies, a time to honour and remember loved ones who have passed, have long incorporated music to express emotions, offer solace, and celebrate a life well-lived. This article explores the rich history of funeral music, from its ancient origins to the diverse choices we have today.

A Journey Through Time: The History of Funeral Music

Ancient Greece: Across many cultures, including those of China, Assyrians, Ireland, and Ancient Greece, expressing grief through wailing and song has held historical significance. In Ancient Greece, these oral mourning rituals were the responsibility of women, who played a unique role in remembering the dead. During a typical Ancient Greek funeral, female relatives would gather around the deceased and perform songs known as threnoi, epikedeia, ialemoi, or goos. These songs were deeply personal and reflected the depth of their grief. The leader of these funeral laments, known as the eksarkhos gooio, was often a professional mourner, the mother, or a close female relative. They were seen as a bridge between the living and the dead, ensuring a smooth transition for the deceased into the spirit world.

The Rise of Religious Music: With the rise of organized religions, funeral music took on a more formal and structured role in funeral ceremonies. Chanting and hymns became commonplace, often reflecting the religious beliefs and practices of the time. In Europe, the Catholic Church played a significant role in shaping funeral music traditions. Gregorian chants, characterized by their monophonic (single melody) nature and Latin lyrics, became a mainstay in Catholic funeral masses. Composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Giuseppe Verdi even wrote specific pieces for these ceremonies, known as requiems.

The Evolution of Funeral Music in the Modern Era: The 20th and 21st centuries have witnessed a shift towards more personalised funeral music. Families are now embracing a wider range of musical genres, from classical and religious pieces to pop songs and contemporary instrumental music. The focus has shifted from strictly adhering to religious traditions to creating a ceremony that reflects the unique personality and interests of the deceased. Many funeral homes now offer a variety of music resources and even allow families to play their own playlists during the service.

Crematoria Music Systems

Most crematoria have a music system; the 2 most popular are Wesley Media and Obitus:

·         Wesley Media

Wesley Media was launched in the mid-1990s with a team of audio experts and a commitment to providing the ideal music for truly person and unique ceremonies, across any genre, and any origin. Since launching, Wesley Media have developed offering and expanding their knowledge to culminate in a range of solutions. These solutions include extensive music and video libraries, visual tributes, webcasts, and professional recordings. The software that combines all of this for specific use in ceremony venues, including crematoriums.

As a result of working for over 20 years, Wesley Media enabled customers to find the exact piece and recording music for their ceremony. They add over 400 new tracks a week with new releases added as soon as they’re publicly available.

·         Obitus

Obitus are another “customer first” music company. They are dedicated to delivering more ways to say goodbye through high quality, personalised Music, Tributes, Streaming, and Keepsakes for funeral services. Obitus work closely with venues, funeral directors, and officiants across the UK to deliver better bereavement experiences for families.

“Our professionally trained music specialists hunt down thousands of new pieces of music each week. On the rare occasion your choice isn’t there, our dedicated team of experts will work hard to find it for you.

For our one-of-a-kind Tribute videos as unique as the life lived, our Tribute team curate and enhance your uploaded photos, videos, and chosen songs to create tasteful montages.

For those who book a Live Stream, our dedicated teams monitor streaming feeds every morning to make sure they’re working, then carefully edit and reupload streams to make them accessible for a further 28 days after the service has taken place.

Post-service, our Keepsake team edits, creates and carefully hand-packs each Keepsake that’s ordered. Across our Media teams, every photo, every song, and every video are handled with care and respect.” (Obitus)

Our Variety Plus package allows you to personalise your loved one’s cremation service with music that reflects their life. Simply share your music selections with your dedicated funeral planner, and they’ll handle all the arrangements at your chosen crematorium.

Choosing Meaningful Funeral Music

When planning a funeral, selecting music can be a powerful way to personalise the service and create a lasting memory for mourners. Here are some factors to consider when choosing funeral music:

  • The deceased’s preferences: Did they have any favourite songs or artists? Did they express any wishes regarding their funeral music beforehand?
  • The overall tone of the ceremony: Do you want a more traditional or contemporary feel? Uplifting or reflective?
  • The religious or spiritual beliefs of the deceased: If religious music is desired, consider hymns or pieces that resonate with the deceased’s faith.
  • The emotions you want to evoke: Music can evoke a wide range of emotions, from sorrow and reflection to joy and celebration. Choose music that creates the desired atmosphere.

Variety Funerals™ – Your Partner in Creating a Meaningful Ceremony

At Variety Funerals™ we understand the importance of creating a funeral service that truly honours your loved one. Our compassionate team can guide you through every step of the planning process, including selecting music that reflects their life and spirit.

For inspiration on music choices view our helpful article: Choosing Meaningful Music for Funerals.

Contact Variety Funerals™ today to discuss your funeral planning needs. Let us help you create a beautiful and personalised tribute to your loved one, filled with music that reflects the unique bond you shared.