My mother has already told us which one piece of special music she wants at her memorial service. It will be a memorial, not funeral, as her body will be going to the University of Kansas Medical school. Mom wants the soprano solo “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth” from Handel’s Messiah.
I’ve been asking myself that for a few weeks. I lost a friend last month, and we’re trying to do a benefit show to raise money for a scholarship in her name. I want to perform and I’m trying to be appropriate without being too depressing. I guess at some point I’ll need to ask her family about her favorite songs.
If we make this happen, I think I want to play “I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to Be Free,” “Let it Be,” and “I Shall Be Released,” plus something of my own. I have no idea what I’d want played at a funeral event for myself, although I suspect “I Wish I Knew” would be on that list- it’s my favorite song.