An overview of musical styles and songs for the funeral
The selection of appropriate music is an important part of the funeral service. Depending on the personality of the deceased, religious background or desired atmosphere, there are very different musical styles to consider. The following is an overview with many examples that can help you make a decision.
Classical funeral music — dignified and timeless
Classical music radiates peace, dignity and depth. It is particularly suitable for solemn ceremonies in churches or funeral halls. Frequently chosen pieces are:
- Franz Schubert — “Ave Maria”
- Johann Sebastian Bach — “Air” from Orchestral Suite No. 3
- Frédéric Chopin — “Funeral March” (Sonata No. 2)
- Samuel Barber — “Adagio for Strings”
- Beethoven — “Moonlight Sonata” (1st movement)
- Albinoni — “Adagio in G Minor”
These pieces often touch across generations and create a dignified atmosphere.
Church Songs — Faith, Hope, and Consolation
The spiritual dimension plays a major role in church funeral services. The songs express hope and trust:
- “Good God, we praise you”
- “Wonderfully protected by good forces”
- “So take my hands”
- “Jesus remains my joy” — J.S. Bach
- Psalm settings such as “The Lord Is My Shepherd”
- “I had a comrade” (for military honors)
These songs are particularly common in Catholic and Protestant funeral services.
Modern German-language mourning songs
Modern songs in German create a direct emotional connection because they often speak the language of their relatives. Frequently chosen titles include:
- Herbert Grönemeyer — “The Way”
- Unholy — “As You Were”
- Silbermond — “In My Memory”
- Andreas Gabalier — “Amoi seg' ma uns again”
- Rosenstolz — “On a morning in April”
- Johannes Oerding — “When You Go”
- Glass House — “Stop the World”
These songs tell of loss, love and hope — without pathos, but with a lot of feeling.
International pop ballads and modern classics
English-language songs are also very popular at funerals — especially when they reflect the deceased's musical taste:
- Eric Clapton — “Tears in Heaven”
- Sarah McLachlan — “Angel”
- Elton John — “Candle in the Wind”
- Frank Sinatra — “My Way”
- Leonard Cohen — “Hallelujah”
- Adele — “Someone Like You”
- Louis Armstrong — “What a Wonderful World”
- Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth — “See You Again”
- Eva Cassidy — “Fields of Gold”
- Coldplay — “Fix You”
These songs appeal to many people emotionally — regardless of age or background.
Instrumental funeral music — Soulful without words
Instrumental music is particularly suitable for moments of silence or to accentuate transitions (e.g. moving in, burial). She speaks on a deep, emotional level — without words.
Popular instrumental pieces:
- Ludovico Einaudi — “Nuvole Bianche” (piano)
- Yiruma — “River Flows in You” (piano)
- Gustav Mahler — “Adagietto” from Symphony 5
- Film music by Hans Zimmer, e.g. from “Gladiator”
Such pieces of music create a very personal atmosphere without distracting from lyrics.
Personal or individual music requests
A funeral service is particularly moving when music is played that had a very personal meaning — even outside the typical repertoire.
Individual options:
- Favourite songs of the deceased person — regardless of the genre
- live music by Sängerinside, pianistinside, guitarists or small ensembles
- Have memorabilia set to music — e.g. a self-composed song or a musical adaptation of a poem
- Contributions from relatives — for example, a song sung by the children or grandchildren
Songs suitable for the relationship — For mother, father, partner, child, friend
The choice of funeral music often depends heavily on the relationship you had with the deceased person. Each bond is unique — and deserves an equally personal musical recognition. Music can help express the unspeakable: love, gratitude, pain, and hope.
Below you will find a variety of song suggestions, sorted by relationship with or with the deceased.
For the mother — love, gratitude and inner connection
The mother is often the first person with whom we establish a deep bond. Songs for this farewell should be tender, grateful and loving.
Exemplary songs:
- Sarah Connor — “Life Is Beautiful”
- Celine Dion — “Goodbye's (The Saddest Word)”
- Rosenstolz — “Love Is Everything”
- Bette Midler — “Wind Beneath My Wings”
- Phil Collins — “You'll Be In My Heart”
- Johannes Oerding — “Forever from now on”
For the father — strength, example and gratitude
Saying goodbye to a father often brings feelings of respect, pride, and deep gratitude. Music can reflect this relationship in a dignified way.
recommendations:
- Herbert Grönemeyer — “The Way”
- Frank Sinatra — “My Way”
- Andreas Gabalier — “Amoi seg' ma uns again”
- Eric Clapton — “Tears in Heaven”
- Unholy — “born to live”
- Louis Armstrong — “What a Wonderful World”
- Reinhard Mey — “Father and Son”
For partner — farewell to big love
Grieving for one's partner is often particularly painful. Songs for this moment can be very emotional, personal and romantic.
Suggested songs:
- Adele — “Someone Like You”
- Silbermond — “The Best”
- Coldplay — “Fix You”
- Unholy — “By Your Side”
- Sade — “By Your Side”
- Eva Cassidy — “Songbird”
- Whitney Houston — “I Will Always Love You”
- James Blunt — “Goodbye My Lover”
- Ina Müller — “Plans”
- Birdy — “Not About Angels”
For a deceased child — Incomprehensible loss and quiet comfort
The death of a child is one of the most serious blows of fate. In this case, music can help to convert the pain into tender words and sounds.
Moving songs for this farewell:
- Eric Clapton — “Tears in Heaven”
- Glass House — “Stop the World”
- Yiruma — “River Flows in You” (instrumental)
- Reinhard Mey — “Saying goodbye”
- Lukas Graham — “You're Not There”
For friends or siblings — thanks for spending time together
The loss of a close friend or sister/brother often brings back memories of periods in life together. Music can also express hope and thanks.
Song suggestions:
- Coldplay — “The Scientist”
- Eva Cassidy — “Fields of Gold”
- R.E.M. — “Everybody Hurts”
- Silbermond — “In My Memory”
- Keane — “Somewhere Only We Know”
- Elton John — “Candle in the Wind”
- Roger Cicero — “In This Moment”
- Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth — “See You Again”
- Ed Sheeran — “Supermarket Flowers”
Memovida helps you choose
The right musical recognition is as individual as the relationship with the deceased.
With Memovida Let us take the time to work with you to find the right song or piece of music — be it traditional, modern, spiritual or very personal. We will advise you with heart and experience and ensure that the music becomes the voice of your memory.
