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Tips For Selecting Funeral 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.
A hymn may be very beautiful, touching and meaningful, but there are a few other things that should also be considered. To begin with, determine whether or not the songs are to be sung by the congregation, by a choir or if a recorded version is to be played. This decision will have a huge impact as to which tunes will be most appropriate.
Some pieces have arrangements that are best suited to a trained voice or for a choir. When a congregation is meant to sing together, it is best to select songs that are easy to sing and commonly known. Choosing something less familiar will result in several people being unable to participate in that tribute.
Carefully consider the words of each song. They need to not only communicate the desired sentiments, but also be easy to understand. One filled with difficult lyrics and confusing structure is not going to have the same effect as something to which the people can 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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