See, if I had a choice in the matter, I'd want the music at my funeral to be representative of what I loved in life rather than adhering to the social norms. And given that one of my passions is dance music, I fear it'd be a rather surreal experience for those who survived me. It would be wildly distasteful, but those who knew me and the fewer who knew me well do know that I had quite a deep, almost spiritual connection with music, certain types especially, the aforementioned dance music being chief among them. I'd really want it to be something full of energy and optimism and saying "yeh, life still goes on, this is an uplifting/life-affirming thing more than a sad thing' rather than the 'traditional' way.
I do respect said social norms and get why certain pieces are played. It all depends on your point of view. If you take the view that a funeral is a ritual focused on and in service of those who are living for their benefit , then cest la vie. If, however, you take the view that a funeral is a final requiem to the departed, then you can either follow my wishes, or else you may as well invite 100 strangers.
For example, the ever 'popular' Samuel Barber and his Adagio for Strings. I've heard it at many a funeral and I like the piece, I really, really do. However, if it was 'my' funeral, it needs to be either this
or, at a push, this
I've always strangely envisaged Rank 1 - Airwave being played at my funeral, but ultimately, my number 1 "bye world" ditty would be
For many reasons, that would be the ultimate summation and reflection of me (at this point in time) in a nutshell. But good luck to whoever buries me getting that played in an Anglican service.
