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Ideas:
The following are
simply “types” of music that we can provide, in order
to give you ideas. If you are still at a loss as to what music
to have, please don’t worry, this is not at all unusual.
Death is always a shock, even following a long illness, and it
is sometimes difficult to make decisions of this kind. However,
by spending a little time talking to you and about the person you
have lost, we usually can suggest music that feels completely right.
We have an extensive library of appropriate music and will take as
much time as is needed to arrive at the perfect choice
for you.
There is no better
combination of instruments than the string quartet for
combining passion with quiet intimacy. Its flexibility means that
almost any piece can
be arranged for this medium – the
composer's choice for wordless eloquence. Our string players
are handpicked from the top London orchestras and are regular chamber
music players.
For the early
music lover we can provide specialist period
instruments and players to perform an intimate aria or chamber
piece by composers such as Bach, Handel or Purcell. Perhaps a
melancholy song
by Dowland for lute and counter-tenor would be your choice, or
maybe you would prefer something more extravagant such as a ceremonial
fanfare with baroque brass and drums, to accompany the coffin as
it enters and leaves the church. These musicians are drawn from
the best period groups in London, such as the English Concert,
the Sixteen, the Gabrieli Consort and Florilegium.
For the jazz lover
we can provide specialist jazz players and singers who can be heard
at Ronnie Scott's and other famous clubs.
The vocal plangency of a single tenor saxophone is unforgettable
once heard, whereas a jazz quartet can be either soulful or foot-tappingly
happy.
A simple way of uplifting a funeral where there are chosen hymns
is to book a quartet of voices. This popular choice will add strength
and lustre to the occasion with the rich sonority of 4-part harmony,
at a time when emotions make it difficult to sing yourself. We
will liaise with the organist and provide appropriate harmonies
and descants all as part of the service. Our choral singers are
handpicked from cathedral choirs such as Westminister Abbey and
other famous choirs such as the BBC Singers and the Sixteen.
For the smaller budget, a solo instrument or voice can work beautifully
and create an intimate mood; maybe some Bach on violin or cello;
a lone bugle to sound the last post; a tenor saxophone or even
panpipes to play your favouite Beatles song; a soprano to sing
the Pie Jesu from Fauré’s Requiem (performed with
organ), or to provide the beguiling simplicity of a folksong. If
you are Scottish then you may prefer the ceremonial music of bagpipes
to accompany the coffin in and out of the church or at the graveside.
For the spoken word we can provide an actor
or actress to read
a favourite poem or a eulogy that you have written yourself but
would prefer not to stand and read.
For the larger budget anything is possible subject to time and
availability. If you prefer we can book internationally
known groups and soloists who have recorded and performed all over the world
eg. The Medici Quartet. Musicians of this calibre would be much
more subject to availability but the option is worth trying if
you have a penchant for a particular artist or group. We can also
provide an entire orchestra and / or choir for a piece of your
choice such as the grandeur of a full requiem mass or other choral
work.
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