Music for a funeral slideshow: 10 beautiful songs and compositions

Making a slideshow for a funeral and don't know what music to include? Explore 10 popular choices.



This piece by American composer Samuel Barber is often played at funerals. It has a yearning, passionate quality that can create a moving effect as part of a funeral slideshow.

It's one of those pieces of classical music that many people know, even if they don't know the name. It was played at Albert Einstein's funeral in 1955 and in a radio broadcast following the funeral of John. F Kennedy in 1963.

2. Johann Pachelbel: Canon in D

Often called "Pachelbel's Canon", this piece placed number two on Co-Op Funeralcare's 2012 list of the most popular music at funerals.

The first few seconds tell you why. This is sombre, majestic music that's both soothing and stirring.

Outside of funerals, it's an extremely influential piece of music. Its chords have been used in dozens of pop songs, from Bob Marley and the Wailers' "No Woman, No Cry" to Coolio's "C U When U Get There".

3. Ludovico Einaudi: Nuvole Bianche

Ludovico Einaudi is an Italian pianist and composer. He writes classical music that incorporates elements of pop, rock, folk and world music. He's also written a lot of music for films.

One of his most famous pieces of music is "Nuvole Bianche". It's a peaceful composition with plenty of space. Its simple beauty makes it ideal for a reflective moment in a funeral slideshow.

4. Bill Evans: Peace Piece

Bill Evans was an American jazz pianist and composer, perhaps most famous for playing on Miles Davis's classic jazz album Kind of Blue.

In 1958, he recorded his instrumental composition "Peace Piece". It's built around just two chords and has a tranquil, flowing quality.

A teenage admirer once told Evans that "Peace Piece" made him feel like "he was standing all alone in New York". It's also well suited to a memorial gathering, creating a sense of calm reflection.

5. Edward Elgar: Nimrod

English composer Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations include a famous Adagio that's often played at funerals and memorial services.

Each year, it's an important part of the National Service of Remembrance in London – and it was performed during the 2022 BBC Proms after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

It begins with hushed violins before introducing a gorgeous melody, gradually building to an unforgettable climax. 

6. Bob Dylan: Knockin' on Heaven's Door

This famous song was written by Bob Dylan for the soundtrack to Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973). It's been widely covered and has become a staple at many memorial services.

Its simple chords, melody and lyrics all make it ideal for a funeral slideshow, especially for lovers of classic rock.

In 2018, Dylan revisited the song as part of his Mondo Scripto series of handwritten lyrics and illustrations.

7. Percy Grainger: Irish Tune from County Derry

Percy Grainger was an Australian composer and pianist. One of his most famous pieces is "Irish Tune from County Derry", a setting of a traditional Irish melody. While it includes strings, the piece focuses on wind and brass instruments.

Like "Nimrod", it gradually builds to a climax. This could work as the climax of a slideshow. Alternatively, you could just use the beginning of the piece.

8. Arvo Pärt: Cantus

Estonian composer Arvo Pärt wrote "Cantus" in 1977 in memory of the English composer Benjamin Britten. Since then, it's been played at many memorial services.

The piece is deceptively simple, with strings playing a repeated melody to the accompaniment of a bell. Despite its simplicity, this piece can stir strong feelings.

It's also famous for beginning and ending with "scored silence" – in other words, the musical score asks the musicians to be silent. This contrast between music and silence has been said to reflect the relationship between life and death.

9. Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending

This piece for solo violin and orchestra is often played at funerals. The violin part seems to float above the orchestra like the skylark in the title.

Its peaceful, nostalgic quality makes "The Lark Ascending" a popular choice for funerals and could add a reflective atmosphere to a slideshow.

10. J.S. Bach: Air on a G String

Our final choice is J.S. Bach's gorgeous "Air on a G String". The most famous version was arranged by German violinist August Wilhelmj in 1871.

It has a stately quality that could add a touch of majesty to a funeral slideshow. Alternatively, you could choose Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade of Pale", which took "Air on a G String" as its starting point.

We hope you find the perfect song or composition for your funeral slideshow. If you're looking for ways to honour the memory of someone who has died, why not consider a Treasured Moments tribute site? It's a digital memorial that captures your most precious memories online – and it's tailor-made for you. Feel free to contact us with any questions or explore our sample pages.