FUNERALS
A funeral marks the close of a human life. It affords the opportunity for friends and family to express their grief and to give thanks for the life which has now completed its journey in this world.
Laura has performed at numerous funerals and can assist you in choosing suitable repertoire. Laura can also help to arrange other musicians from her wide network of professional contacts.
A Few Repertoire Ideas...
An Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
And the rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you ever in the palm of His hand.
This is a moving, traditional Irish blessing which has been set to music by numerous composers. Chilcott’s arrangement is one example, set to music of great simplicity and beauty. Chilcott perfectly captures the warmth and sincerity of the text, and weaves a memorable melody, clothed in rich harmony.
The Lord’s My Shepherd
Psalm 23 is a popular Psalm set to music and without doubt, the most familiar and well known version is that which is found in the Scottish Psalter of 1650 set to the tune Crimond.
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
This aria is taken from George Frideric Handel’s oratorio Messiah which was composed in the summer of 1741 and premiered in Dublin on the 13 April1742. Messiah is Handel's most famous creation and is among the most popular works in Western choral literature. ‘I know that my Redeemer liveth’ is frequently heard at Christian funerals and above Handel's grave in Westminster Abbey is a monument where the musician's statue holds the musical score of this aria.
Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen
This piece is taken from Mahler’s Rückert Lieder. ‘Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen,’ is one of Mahler’s most beautiful and moving songs. It evokes the peace achieved through the poet’s withdrawal from the everyday turmoil of the world and his absorption in the most meaningful and central aspects of his life: his heaven, his life, and his song.