Church funeral songs: a moment-by-moment guide
Whoever has to choose the music for a funeral has usually never done it before, and has little time. This guide explains, moment by moment, what is sung during a Catholic funeral Mass and how the pieces are chosen together with the parish priest. It is written by Maestro Ilarion, a tenor who accompanies funerals in Sicily and Calabria, singing and playing the organ.
Who decides the music
The music of a church funeral is part of the liturgy: that is why the final word belongs to the parish priest. The family expresses its wishes, the musician suggests suitable chants for each moment and the priest approves the programme. That way there are no surprises on the day.
The moments of the funeral Mass
- Entrance: a chant accompanies the arrival of the coffin and the start of the celebration.
- Responsorial psalm: after the first reading the psalm can be sung, with the congregation repeating the refrain.
- Gospel acclamation: a short chant before the Gospel is read.
- Offertory: a chant while the altar is prepared.
- Sanctus and Agnus Dei: the parts of the Mass that can be sung together.
- Communion: the most recollected moment; this is often where Panis Angelicus or an Ave Maria finds its place.
- Final commendation and farewell: the farewell to the deceased before leaving, with a chant proper to this moment.
The Ave Maria at a funeral
The Ave Maria is one of the most requested pieces at funerals. Franz Schubert's and Charles Gounod's, built on Bach's prelude, are the best known. Many priests accept it after communion or at the end of Mass, before the final commendation; some prefer it after the final blessing. Just ask in advance.
Panis Angelicus
César Franck's Panis Angelicus is a Eucharistic hymn, written for communion: that is why it is one of the pieces best suited to that moment of the funeral Mass.
A piece chosen by the family
Families often wish for a piece connected with their loved one: a song they loved, a melody from their youth. Not every piece is allowed during Mass. The musician can suggest the least intrusive moment, for example at the end of the celebration, or propose a sacred piece close in meaning. Here too the priest decides.
How many musicians are needed
For a funeral Mass a single musician who sings and accompanies himself on the organ or piano is enough. This is what Maestro Ilarion does: he sings the chants of the liturgy, the Ave Maria by Schubert or Gounod, Panis Angelicus and pieces chosen by the family, throughout Sicily and Calabria, with at least 24 hours' notice. The pages for each area are under Church funeral musicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which songs are sung at a church funeral?
The chants of the liturgy for the entrance, psalm, offertory, communion and farewell; at communion or at the end often Panis Angelicus or an Ave Maria, if the priest agrees.
Schubert's or Gounod's Ave Maria?
Both are suitable: Schubert's is better known, Gounod's rests on Bach's prelude. The choice depends on the family's taste.
Can a non-religious song be sung at the funeral?
It depends on the parish priest. Often a moment is found at the end of the celebration, or a sacred piece close in meaning is chosen instead.
Who chooses the funeral songs?
The family with the musician; the parish priest approves the programme, because the music is part of the liturgy.