Mourning Music

I recently lost my beloved grandfather Emmanuel Wapinski. In Judaism, we do not play or listen to music during grief. However, I thought about music written for bereavement in other cultures, and songs that express loss. Here are the examples I came up with.

1. Mozart’s Requiem in D minor

A Requiem is a mass composed for the dead and is often used in funerals. Mozart died before finishing the Requiem in d minor, which was completed by Franz Xaver Süssmayr.

2. Chopin’s Funeral March

This is one of the most popular classical works of all time  and is often played in funerals. Here we can hear it performed by the great Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli

3. Gershwin’s My Man’s Gone Now;  performed by Nina Simone

This beautiful melody is sung by a widow grieving her murdered husband in the famous American opera Porgy and Bess.  It is an essential piece of the jazz repertoire and it has been widely covered by the great performers of the style.

4. Fire and Rain; James Taylor

This is a very sad song written by one of the most popular songwriters in America. The chorus often resonates with people who have sadly and unexpectedly seen the last of someone they loved.

Oh, I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain
I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I’d see you again

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOIo4lEpsPY

5. Tears in Heaven; Eric Clapton

Written by the legendary guitarist after his 4 year old son’s death. In the song he imagines how it would be to briefly encounter his son in heaven.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRsJlAJvOSM

6. Here Today; Paul McCartney

In this dedication to John Lennon after his assassination, Sir McCartney describes an imaginary conversation he would have with his longtime band mate and friend if he was here today. Lennon-McCartney was not just one of the most productive collaborations in music history, but also one of its most tumultuous relationships.

7. Candle in the Wind; Elton John

This song was written for Princess Diana after she died in a car accident while being chased by paparazzi. Elton John provides the United Kingdom with a song to grieve the loss of their beloved figure.

8. New Orleans Jazz Funeral

Last but not least, a beautiful tradition that celebrates the life of the deceased as the corpse is taken to its burial. This is the funeral of tuba player Kerwin James.