Music for Tributes & Memorials

As recorded by Sweet Honey in the Rock, this extraordinary a cappella piece speaks of the precious gifts of life and loved ones. Newly updated by a scholarly committee dedicated to Dr. Barnwell's works,

While this poem honors the passing of a friend's mother, it works beautifully as a memorial for anyone. With a lifegiving and encouraging text, this musical setting begins reflectively, acknowledging the

"Hear on the night wind Rachel weeping." So eloquent, this choral reflection on sorrow and healing is scored for voices, piano, and cello. The voices are delicately interwoven, alternating chordal with

Elegant simplicity is the hallmark of this shimmering setting of a favorite text: "Set me as a seal upon your heart ... for love is as strong as death." Straightforward rhythms, careful management of vocal

The moving words, "As long as we live, we remember them" frame this highly melodic and emotive concert work. With a contemporary ballad feel, this tribute or memorial piece will be a beautiful addition to

A moving setting of this gripping and emotional text. In this setting, the composer captures the solemnity of the text throughout the thoughtful choral writing, comforting those who are left to grieve.

Incorporating elements of the ancient and the modern, this stunning a cappella original presents a lush harmonic palette with tight cluster harmonies and a statement of the Requiem chant tune. The peaceful,

Easy to learn and useful for a variety of occasions like year-end concerts, graduation and moving-on ceremonies, memorials, or occasions of gratitude or appreciation, this simple song is a sincere way to

With a beautiful setting of an imaginative text, this moving selection was originally composed as a memorial. Opening with an introduction of sopranos and tenors in unison or optional solo, this piece will

Composed in remembrance of lives lost during the 2020 pandemic, this sparse setting of the traditional Latin Requiem text is built upon a melody inspired by a bird's simple three-note song. Solemn and

The isiZulu and Sesotho languages of South Africa are utilized in this traditional song that illustrates the idea of the joy of an eternal home. This arrangement uses repetition and call and response,

A stirring tribute, this poignant setting of Christina Rosetti's moving text features singable lines, carefully prepared dissonances, and suspensions. Whether used in a memorial service or for more general

A well-crafted patriotic piece that honors those who have sacrificed for our freedoms. The text is a poem from a Normandy veteran that pays tribute while being uplifting. A piccolo and occasional handbells

Profoundly moving, this musically sensitive work brings a deeper level of understanding to  Mary Elizabeth Frye's immortal poem. An opening section of gorgeous layered harmonies moves into a more

Omnia sol temperat, "the sun warms everything," comes from a verse of Latin found in Carmina Burana. The composer's English text speaks to the human need to anchor words of love and commitment in

This heartfelt musical salute honors first responders who provide aid and comfort in the wake of any adverse situation. With a directly stated vital message and memorable tune, it flows nicely with lots of

A poem by Christina Rossetti is the inspiration for this expressive piece for four-part voices and piano. "Where sunless rivers weep their waves into the deep, she sleeps a charmed sleep..." Appropriate for

In the midst of pain, of war, of brokenness... we choose love. We choose community. What better way to share this message than through powerful song...  and that's exactly what you'll find here. This

This setting of this text was created to memorialize the 20 children who were murdered on December 14, 2012, in Newtown, Connecticut, at Sandy Hook Elementary School. A skillful marriage of music with word

A flowing accompaniment and lyrical vocal lines deliver this reassuring text, "God shall wipe away all of their tears and death shall be no more."  The sixth movement from Light Shines in the

Fluid vocal lines and a sensitive text shine in this powerful, heartfelt recollection of a lost loved one. Perfectly capturing the essence of love that lives forever, it is at the same time both touching

This brief but poignant a cappella work begins with a melding of the music and text in a bittersweet way. The music grows more animated as it progresses, adding quite a bit of dissonance to the harmonic

A traditional memorial text with spiritual roots has been adapted by the composer in a setting that is simple and honest. With an unadorned melody set in a beautiful musical language with open, transparent