Firstly. Bugger. Secondly. I don’t care. I’m dead. But I wouldn’t like anyone to get the wrong impression, so here are some thoughts on the matter. Again though if anyone doesn’t have time, I don’t care. I’m dead.
Nothing religious. Any creative force, even if it has some notion of ‘caring’, also doesn’t care. So let’s not prolong any silly mythology.
What do funerals have.. some nice music I guess. I’d probably go for John Rutter’s requiem which I love. The Requiem Aeternam, and the Pie Jesu have always been my favourites. Shame these are a bit religious after my first point.. It’s not hypocrisy, I’ve just never been against people having inspiration from wherever they so wish, and the divine seems to be a rather powerful source of inspiration. But I think crematoriums are neutral so don’t care one way or another. Oh, and yes, burn me please. I’d rather like a cardboard coffin, maybe anyone who turns up could sign it that would be cool. Or not allowed. Or morbid? Or something else someone decides at the time…
It’s probably a bit miserable though, as are other choral pieces like the Et in Terra Pax from Vivaldi’s RV578, and Vangelis; first piece on Mask, and Deliverance from Conquest of Paradise. I’ve always liked Baz Luhrmans’ Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen). I always smile when I hear it. If I die of skin cancer, it will of course be perfect.
“Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind.
Baz Luhrman
The race is long and, in the end, it’s only with yourself”
Does Vangelis’ Alpha count as jolly? I think it’s the first piece of music that I heard when I was little (in a school assembly with a guest dance troupe I think it was) that really made me sit up and take notice of sound and music. I’m not really a fan of music that’s too jolly. Unless it’s a nice sea shanty with lots of harmony.
I’d say Max Richter’s ‘On the nature of daylight’ but I fear it’s become the new Barber’s Adagio for Strings.
Poetry? Nah, I think Baz Luhrman probably said quite enough. Don’t make someone read something out badly.
Eulogies. God no. It’s a shit thing for someone to have to do, and I don’t think I was interesting enough to talk about. Maybe I’ll make my own ‘life flashing before your eyes’ 1 minute video or something so no-one else has to bother. If I do, I shall post it here. I’ll post a life timeline too, to make it easier if anyone did want to bother saying something.
