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.   

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	Music of America: Samuel Barber
"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	Hesperion 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: In Paradisum	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.