An animal memorial service - any suggestions for music?

[Guest]

I have been asked to play for an animal memorial service at my local crematorium. Said no to begin with but was told that it was going to be generally 'spiritual' rather than overtly Christian and supported by some local animal charities. As I love animals, particularly cats I relented and agreed to do the service.</p>

I have spoken to the service leader, who is a funeral director and a patron of one of the animal charities and he wants me to choose a couple of hymns and provide two organ pieces and one or two instrumental pieces (I have asked a flautist and oboeist) with an animal theme. There is going to be a section of the service where ex-owners can come up to the front to light a candle to remember their loved passing of their pet, so I need some reflective music for that. I have been told I can include modern as well as classical music.
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I have an idea of the sort of music I should be playing but because I have not done this sort of service before I would appreciate any ideas and suggestions.</p>

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P.S. I have also been told that children are going to be encouraged to bring a photo of their pet to bring up to the front and the lighting of the remembrance candles, so something that can be aimed at that age range would be appreciated (i.e. not too weepy but with hope)
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[BOZ]

Re: An animal memorial service - any suggestions for music?



Greg,</p>

 No surprise that I'm an animal lover, as in labrador retrievers.  The first piece that popped into my head was Saint-Saens' Carnival of the Animals. You may be able to download the score. It seems readily adaptable to organ.</p>

Let us know how this unique experience turns out.</p>

 </p>

[Guest]

Re: An animal memorial service - any suggestions for music?

Carnival of the Animals: that's a really good idea!

[davidecasteel]

Re: An animal memorial service - any suggestions for music?



The first thing that popped into my mind was the choir anthem "The Peaceable Kingdom" by Randall Thompson. I have no idea how well it would render on the organ. (Actually, our choir sang it last Sunday.)</P>


David</P>

[Guest]

Re: An animal memorial service - any suggestions for music?

How about the hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful" to the Royal Oak Tune. Also anything related to St. Francis would be appropriate. We're doing a blessing of the Animals in a few weeks. Outside at our pavillion, so no music though. Let us know what you use.

[Guest]

Re: An animal memorial service - any suggestions for music?



How about the hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful" to the Royal Oak Tune.</p>

I like that hymn to Royal Oak, but I doubt many people especially the 'unchurched' would be familiar with that tune.</p>

Would it be a bit naff if I played Memory from 'Cats'?
</p>

[NYCFarmboy]

Re: An animal memorial service - any suggestions for music?

Bach's "Sheep may safely graze"...


I always get a chuckle on E. Power Bigg's wanting to play that work for the funeral of a butcher.

[alsmith]

Re: An animal memorial service - any suggestions for music?

[quote user="Greg"]


How about the hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful" to the Royal Oak Tune.</P>


I like that hymn to Royal Oak, but I doubt many people especially the 'unchurched' would be familiar with that tune.</P>


[/quote]</P>


"All Things Bright and Beautiful" was the first thing that popped into my mind. Too bad you don't think people would recognize it. It seems fitting given that the famous animal lover and author James Herriot took his book titles from the song's chorus.</P>

[soubasse32]

Re: An animal memorial service - any suggestions for music?



This number has some possibilities: Talk to the Animals[]</P>

[Guest]

Re: An animal memorial service - any suggestions for music?



It's probably the wrong St. Francis, but Song of St. Francis (Make me a channel of your peace) comes to mind.</P>

[Menschenstimme]

Re: An animal memorial service - any suggestions for music?



Same St. Francis - of Assisi.</P>


[Y]</P>

[Austin766]

Re: An animal memorial service - any suggestions for music?

[quote user="soubasse32"]


This number has some possibilities: Talk to the Animals[]</P>


[/quote]</P>


That's a bad one.

Greg, you might still use All THings Bright and Beautiful, set to the usual tune (I don't know its name), it is a pretty well known hymn (I can't speak for the UK, but in america anyway it is.)</P>

[Guest]

Re: An animal memorial service - any suggestions for music?



All Things Bright and Beautiful (All Things Bright)</P>


God Sees The Little Sparrow Fall (Providence)</P>


For The Beauty of the Earth (Dix)</P>


This Is My Father's World (Terra Beata) </P>


See The Shining Dewdrops (Wellard)</P>


How Great Thou Art </P>


That's all I can think of for the moment. </P>


Cheerio, ReedGuy</P>

[soubasse32]

Re: An animal memorial service - any suggestions for music?

[quote user="Austin766"][quote user="soubasse32"]This number has some possibilities: Talk to the Animals[][/quote]That's a bad one.[/quote]OK, a big production number is probably out of the question, and that costume is a bit... breezy. [:|]