This post from last year, about my funeral music selections, has been consistently in the top five most popular posts on the site ever since it was first posted, and a few people have even taken it upon themselves to contribute their own selections, click here.

Now, I’ve some tracks to add to my selection.

I think I’ve decided that the, err, My Chemical Romance track might not be so suitable after all.

But how about this carefully selected section of Handel’s Sarabande as an alternative funeral introit? Starting with the quiet strings in the silence, and building up…
[audio:http://sjhoward.co.uk/audio/sarabandeselect.mp3]

Given that it’s a funeral, I guess something a little bit religious is expected… and I don’t think there is a more beautiful piece of religious music than this version of Ave Maria by the Vienna Boys Choir:
[audio:http://sjhoward.co.uk/audio/avemaria.mp3]

And then, there’s the Sarah McLachlan classic Answer:
[audio:http://sjhoward.co.uk/audio/answer.mp3]

I will be the answer
At the end of the line.

I will be there for you
While you take your time.

In the burning of uncertainty
I will be your solid ground.

I will hold the balance
If you can’t look down…

Cast me gently into morning
For the night has been unkind.

Take me to a place so Holy
That I can wash this from my mind.

I think those are beautiful words for a funeral.