Piano
Funeral Songs
Explore 5 funeral songs tagged as "piano". Each song has been carefully curated to help you create a meaningful memorial service.
All Piano Songs
Gymnopédie No. 1
Erik Satie
Marked 'slowly and painfully' (lent et douloureux). The harmony swings like a pendulum — no drama, just a neutral calm space for meditation.
Why it's meaningful: Devoid of emotional manipulation. It creates a holding space where mourners can feel whatever they feel without the music telling them how to feel.
Best moment: Reflection or gathering. Duration: ~3:30-4:30 minutes. Non-invasive background for quiet moments.
Nuvole Bianche
Ludovico Einaudi
'White Clouds.' Cycling piano chords that feel like a journey — lighter than traditional classical, cinematic and emotionally accessible. One of the most streamed piano pieces globally.
Why it's meaningful: Younger people already have a relationship with Einaudi from streaming. Hearing it at a funeral feels like a familiar friend rather than imposing formality.
Best moment: Reflection or photo tribute. Duration: ~5-6 minutes. Non-religious, contemporary, and universally affecting.
River Flows in You
Yiruma
A bridge between pop and classical. Flowing, sweet piano that feels familiar and comforting to those intimidated by heavy classical music.
Why it's meaningful: Accessible to people who don't identify as 'classical music fans.' Recognizable from viral piano videos and streaming playlists.
Best moment: Reflection or gathering. Duration: ~3-4 minutes. Non-threatening entry point to classical funeral music.
Prelude in E Minor, Op. 28 No. 4
Frédéric Chopin
Played at Chopin's own funeral. Pulsing left-hand chords descend chromatically, symbolizing the slow ebbing away of life. Suffocatingly beautiful.
Why it's meaningful: At just 2 minutes, it says everything without overstaying. The descending bass is the sound of letting go.
Best moment: Short reflection or curtain closing at crematorium. Duration: ~2 minutes.
I Giorni
Ludovico Einaudi
'The Days.' Inspired by a Malian folk song — sounds like looking through an old photo album. Nostalgic, simple, and folk-like despite its classical instrumentation.
Why it's meaningful: Names what the mourners are grieving: the days themselves. Each repetition of the theme is another day remembered.
Best moment: Reflection or gentle exit. Duration: ~6-7 minutes. Very popular in the UK for its understated warmth.