Funeral Bagpipe Music: What does a bagpiper play at a funeral?
The bagpipes have been played at funerals and other occasions to commerate and mourn the passing of a loved one, for centuries. Consequently, there are many funeral bagpipe tunes which are often played by a bagpiper at a funeral.
There are no “right” or “wrong” tunes to be played though. Whilst Amazing Grace and Highland Cathedral are very good bagpipe tunes for a funeral, there are many other funeral bagpipe tunes which other pipers don’t know, which aren’t played very often. Here you can listen to both the well known bagpipe tunes played at a funeral, and some of the less well known ones which are equally appropriate to be played as funeral bagpipe music.
The following bagpipe funeral tunes are my suggestions only, based on my experience of being a Funeral Bagpiper, and what has helped given many people comfort in a difficult time, as well as giving their loved one the send-off they deserved. If you would like any other tune or song played which may have a special meaning to your family, please don’t hesitate to ask.
What does a bagpiper play at a funeral?
Traditionally a bagpiper plays slower and more sombre tunes at a funeral such as The Flowers of the Forest, Highland Cathedral, Flower of Scotland, The Dark Island. Your bagpiper may also play some Retreat marches such as The Green Hills of Tyrol and Lochanside walking to and from the graveside or during final respects after the funeral ceremony. A funeral can also be celebration of the persons life though, so it’s appropriate to also play some music which was a favourite or was meaningful to the deceased.
Funeral Bagpipe Music – Recordings
