Explore 6 funeral songs tagged as "instrumental". Each song has been carefully curated to help you create a meaningful memorial service.
by Samuel Barber
Perhaps the most mournful piece in classical music, Barber's Adagio builds slowly to an overwhelming emotional crescendo before resolving in quiet grief.
Why it's meaningful: The instrumental nature allows mourners to project their own grief onto the music, while its use in state funerals and memorials gives it gravitas and collective meaning.
Best moment: Perfect for processionals or moments of silent reflection.
by Edward Elgar
A British classical piece often used in Remembrance ceremonies and state funerals, building from quiet reflection to powerful emotional release.
Why it's meaningful: The stately, noble quality makes it especially fitting for honoring lives of dignity and service, while its emotional depth validates profound grief.
Best moment: Processionals, military funerals, or moments honoring legacy and service.
by Dave Brubeck Quartet
Iconic instrumental jazz in 5/4 time with Paul Desmond's cool saxophone melody, representing sophisticated jazz cool.
Why it's meaningful: The sophisticated, laid-back jazz captures the essence of cool intellectualism and mid-century modern elegance.
Best moment: Perfect for jazz lovers or sophisticated, cerebral individuals.
by Miles Davis
Miles Davis' modal jazz masterpiece from Kind of Blue, with cool trumpet and hypnotic groove.
Why it's meaningful: The cool, meditative jazz honors intellectual, contemplative souls who appreciated sophisticated artistry.
Best moment: Perfect for jazz aficionados or honoring cool, cerebral individuals.
by Franz Liszt
"Dreams of Love" - Liszt's piano masterpiece is both achingly beautiful and troubled, capturing the complexity of romantic love and loss.
Why it's meaningful: For spouses and life partners, this piece honors the depth of romantic love while acknowledging the heart-wrenching pain of that bond being severed.
Best moment: Beautiful for honoring deep romantic partnerships and marriages.
by Thelonious Monk
Monk's melancholic jazz standard, a brooding late-night meditation with dissonant harmonies and introspective mood.
Why it's meaningful: The haunting melody and complex harmonies honor sophisticated grief and the quiet loneliness of late-night sorrow.
Best moment: For jazz aficionados or honoring contemplative, intellectual souls.