A song sung at a burial (2024)

FAQs

What is a song sung at a burial called? ›

A dirge (Latin: dirige, nenia) is a somber song or lament expressing mourning or grief, such as would be appropriate for performance at a funeral.

A dirge is a song of mourning, performed as a memorial to someone who's died. As you might imagine, a dirge is usually quite sad. Another word with a similar meaning that you might know is “requiem.”

Here are some of the most popular funeral songs:

My Way – Frank Sinatra. Angels – Robbie Williams. The Best – Tina Turner. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler.

by Bette Midler. Wind Beneath My Wings has been one of the most popular funeral songs since its release.

Abide With Me

One of the most sung hymns at funerals, this is really a prayer to God to stay with him in death as He did with us in life.

After the committal when the service concludes, a piece of music is often played as the mourners leave (referred to as 'exit music'). Classical music and hymns are more traditional choices, inspiring calm, grandeur and reflective thinking.

1. Ave Maria. A short, quiet and focused piece, usually for a solo female voice. Particularly popular for Catholic funeral Masses, but universally loved even for non-religious funerals.

December 17, 2007 • A U.K.-based maker of electronic dance music, Burial works in a genre called "dubstep," steeped in dark moods and with an emphasis on bass and rhythm. The mysterious figure behind Burial is unknown, but his clear syncopations and heavy rhythmic patterns lead to exciting songs.

What is the oldest funeral song? ›

“Hurrian Hymn No. 6” is considered the world's earliest melody, but the oldest musical composition to have survived in its entirety is a first century A.D. Greek tune known as the “Seikilos Epitaph.” The song was found engraved on an ancient marble column used to mark a woman's gravesite in Turkey.

One song particularly embodies what a “happy funeral song” sounds like to most people. This timeless gem is Louis Armstrong's “What a Wonderful World,” a poignant and uplifting melody that transcends cultural boundaries.

It was normal to only hear traditional hymns and a funeral march. Many classical composers have written “Requiems” which are songs based on mass services which are linked to funerals. These songs are usually associated with death, dying and mourning.

Music for Funerals Entrance. The entrance music sets the tone for the ceremony, evoking emotions of reverence and respect. Popular choices often include classical pieces like "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber or "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert.

Requiem is also used to describe any sacred composition that sets to music religious texts which would be appropriate at a funeral, or to describe such compositions for liturgies other than the Roman Catholic Mass.

December 17, 2007 • A U.K.-based maker of electronic dance music, Burial works in a genre called "dubstep," steeped in dark moods and with an emphasis on bass and rhythm. The mysterious figure behind Burial is unknown, but his clear syncopations and heavy rhythmic patterns lead to exciting songs.

Funeral hymns are traditionally sung at Christian funerals. As funerals can be a religious experience for a lot of people, hymns offer comfort. At a loved one's funeral, they can bring people together, uniting the congregation in grief and hope.