Free Psalm Setting for Funeral of Baptized Infants

ServiamScores

As there was another thread addressing funerals for baptized infants (EF), I wanted to share a psalm setting that I wrote a few years ago when I was asked to sing for just such a funeral (OF).

The text the priest and I agreed upon was Psalm 116, "The Lord protects the simple; I was helpless but He saved me."

This is a very somber setting to respect the overwhelming grief typically experienced by parents who are thrust into this horrible situation.

Score attached and a basic organ demo. Free to use when needed.

mmeladirectress

Serviam - I shared your score with my organist, who likes it very much. Thanks!

ServiamScores

Wonderful! I’m glad.

Chris Garton-Zavesky

Serviam,

That's a very helpful piece. It doesn't begin from the assumption that everyone should be all smiles. That said, I think an open D chord would more effectively contain what you've tried to do here, rather than either major or minor third.

ServiamScores

That’s an interesting idea—at least into the verses. You have my blessing to do it that way if you ever use it. I like the idea of the Picardy on the last verse just to give some comfort to the family, since we have assurance that the child is with God. It’s just a subtle nod; a little light beam piercing the clouds, if you will, rather than pretending we need to feel happy the whole time.

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