F U N E R A L M A S S M U S I C
W H O
Standard practice is to hire an organ/piano player, with the option of a vocalist or instrumentalist (violin, for example)..
W H A T
The family usually selects four songs (antiphons, congregational hymns or solos pieces) to be sung during Mass. The other sung Mass parts are usually determined by the celebrating priest.
M U S I C O P T I O N S
Funeral Antiphons
My personal favorites.
The words of these antiphons (which are sung during entrance, offertory, and communion) are beautiful and faithful expressions of our Catholic prayers for the deceased.
Listen to excerpts below.
*Note, in actual performance, extended verses make the antiphons longer than the samples.
Singing by Lillian Johnson
Common Hymns
These can be used for entrance, offertory, communion, and closing.
Abide With Me
All You Who Seek a Comfort Sure
Amazing Grace
Be Not Afraid
Be Still My Soul
Be Thou My Vision
How Great Thou Art
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
I Know That My Redeemer Lives
Jerusalem, My Happy Home
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
Nearer My God, to Thee
On Eagle's Wings
The King of Love
There's a Wideness in God's Mercy
What Wondrous Love is This
Solo Options
Suitable for instrumentalists or solo singers.
Ave Maria
Amazing Grace: My Chains Are Gone
It Is Well With My Soul
Nearer My God to Thee (Piano Guys instrumental version)
Pie Jesu
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
What Wondrous Love (instrumental version)