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Tips For Writing Memorial Hymns
Choosing the music for a memorial service is a very important task as it sets the mood and overall tone of the occasion. The preferences of the deceased should always be respected, especially in regards to whether they would like upbeat melodies or somber tunes. There are a few guidelines one may use to make the best selection of funeral hymns.
First and foremost, if the deceased has left any special instructions as to selections they would like to have played, those wishes should always be honored. If there are no such directives in place, then take into consideration if they were one more for religious classics or leaned more towards the contemporary style. The service is meant to accurately reflect the preferences of the one who has passed on.
There are other things that need to be considered along with how how beautiful or touching a hymn may be. Whether a recorded version will be used or whether the piece will be performed by a choir, an individual or the guests is an important factor. The delivery method can greatly affect a song's appropriateness.
If an individual, choir or musical ensemble is to perform the piece, selecting a more specialized arrangement is acceptable. When the congregation is expected to sing, it will be necessary to choose something that is fairly well known and in an easy range for most people. It would not have the same effect if only one person were familiar with a song intended for all.
Consideration should be given to the appropriateness of the words in the songs. The best choices will convey the proper sentiments and be easy to follow. If the words are too complex or the structure is confusing, the attendees may not be able to relate.
Selecting funeral hymns is a matter of balances. It entails weighing what the deceased would have liked and what the attendees will be able to sing. Length, content, speed and mood are also things that will need to be taken into consideration.
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