The first funeral I played for was Kent Christensen's in 2001. Up until that time, I was a dedicated pianist. But, they needed an organist, and I figured I could do it. So, I prepared. Organ music is such a traditional, calming background at a time of sadness. Since that funeral, I have become a ward organist and learned many thing. I have played at so many funerals. I'll name a few:
Kent Christensen (2001)
Janice Christensen
JY Merrell
Sister Merrell
Esther Allgaier
Lucile Johnson
John Phoenix
Sarreas nephew
Jamie Ryer's mother
Jessica's husband
LaPointe son
Robert Bennett (2016)
(I'll think of more, I know)
I have several books of music marked with pieces I can play for funerals:
My books include the following:
1. The New Organist (Low-Practice Preludes for Latter-day Saints) Book 1, arr. by Brent Jorgensen
2. The New Organist (Low-Practice Preludes for Latter-day Saints) Book 2, arr. by Brent Jorgensen
3. The New Organist (Low-Practice Preludes for Latter-day Saints) Book 4, arr. by Brent Jorgensen
4 .Church Organ Music Book 2 (publ. R.D. Row Music
Company, Inc. Carl Fischer Inc.
Priere by Boellmann
Meditation from Organ Sonata No. 3 by Mendelssohn
Andante by Cervetto
Pastorale by Zipoli
Invocation by Mendelssohn
O Lord Most Holy by Abt
Prayer by Beethoven
I usually come prepared with enough unique pieces for about 40 minutes and repeat them as necessary. People often arrive early to funerals and it's nice to have beautiful organ music in the background.
As it gets close to the starting time, I watch for the family to start coming in. They usually come in as a group. It's nice to start a piece at that time. You need to know how to end it once they are all in place though so that the music doesn't go on awkwardly for a long time. End with a decrescendo and I usually put a fermata on the last note.
Sometimes there is special music in the middle. Sometimes the choir sings, or there is a vocalist, or a duet. Sometimes grandchildren sing or there is an instrumental piece. I am often involved in accompanying these special musical numbers.
At the end, there is often a closing song and then postlude. I like to play an arrangements of "God Be With You Til We Meet Again." The words are so beautiful if you know the hymn.
Lyrics
Then, I continue with postlude music as guests leave. The music is calm and reverent and thoughtful.
At this week's funeral for Robert Bennett, former senator, there was a very large congregation including many senators and other people from the hill whom Brother Bennett had worked with when he was a Utah Senator. Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid both spoke at this funeral. Orin Hatch and other prominent people were there. The gym was about 2/3 full. There were secret service men at every entrance to the chapel and gym.
I have an organist friend, Christine Lindsey, who I asked to help me during this organ assignment. She prepared the next pieces for me and turned pages so I could just keep playing. She also helped with stops on the organ. It made for some beautiful music. I was very grateful for her help!
