Farewell
A piece of music often says more than a speech. What to think about in choosing it, playing it and clearing the rights, so that everything works on the day.
Music gives guests time to arrive, carries the quiet moments and accompanies everyone out at the end. Many relatives later remember one particular piece very clearly. It is also the part of a funeral service where the most can go wrong on the day: the wrong file format, a flat battery, a song that does not suit the church.
This guide covers where music fits into the service, when live music is worth it and when a recording is better, what parishes allow and how copyright works in Switzerland. You will also find examples of pieces families often choose and a look at different religious traditions. The planning of the service as a whole is covered in Planning a memorial service.
No rule says how much music a funeral service must have. In German-speaking Switzerland the service is often called an Abdankung; whether it is held in a church, a cemetery chapel or as a non-religious ceremony, music usually appears at the same points:
A few pieces chosen with care work better than a long sequence. A five-minute song feels longer in the stillness of a funeral than it does at home. Many pieces can be shortened or faded out if you agree this beforehand with the organist or the person running the sound.
In churches the parish organist usually plays. He or she knows the instrument, the room and the order of service and can respond to requests, including popular melodies. A guide published by the Basel churches lists music wishes, organ and/or your own CD, among the topics of the conversation with the minister, and notes that the musical side of a funeral may be invoiced. In Lausanne, the city says the organists at the Montoie funeral centre play a wide repertoire, from classical to popular and film music.
Live music from a singer or instrumentalist feels especially personal: a cello, a violin, or a family member at the piano. Check early whether an instrument is available and when the musicians can rehearse. A recording is the right choice when it has to be one particular song in its original version, with the voice the person loved.
Whether a pop song or a film theme can be played in church is up to the parish, in practice usually the minister or priest leading the service. There is no single rule for Switzerland. The Reformed Church of the Canton of Vaud writes in its funeral brochure that organ music is preferred in church as a matter of principle, but that other kinds of music are possible at certain moments.
There is often more room than people expect. When Jean Ziegler's funeral service took place in St Pierre Cathedral in Geneva in June 2026, the organ played “The Internationale” there for the first time.
So raise your wishes openly, and bring the lyrics and the recording to the meeting. Sometimes the minister suggests a different place in the service, such as the favourite song at the end rather than in the middle of the liturgy. If you would like a non-religious ceremony, a cemetery chapel or another venue leaves you free; see Non-religious funeral.
The right piece is the one that suits the person who died. There is no ranking for Switzerland. The following examples come up again and again and can serve as a starting point:
A few questions help. Did the person really like this piece, or is it us who like it? Does the text still fit when you listen closely? For a song in another language, read a translation. For the entrance and exit, instrumental pieces often work better, because singing competes with guests' conversations or holds their attention.
Many families combine the two: organ and a hymn for the familiar framework, plus one personal song as a recording. A piece of music from the family's home region, or a song in their mother tongue, can be an important moment for guests who have travelled from abroad.
SUISA is the cooperative that manages music rights in Switzerland. According to SUISA, you do not need a licence or pay royalties for private events within a small circle of friends and family, and it gives weddings and birthday parties as examples. It also points out that the term “private” is restrictively defined under copyright law. The organisers of an event are responsible for obtaining any licence.
In church it is simpler. Switzerland's two main churches, Roman Catholic and Reformed, and the association of free evangelical churches have concluded contracts with SUISA. If you are a member of one of these communities, you do not need to obtain a licence.
SUISA does not mention funerals explicitly on these pages. Whether a service with many guests still counts as private cannot be read from them with certainty. In case of doubt, for instance for a very large public service or one streamed online, SUISA advises contacting it directly. If you plan a livestream, check with the parish as well.
The role of music varies a great deal between religions. The differences in brief:
When a family brings together several traditions, an open conversation beforehand helps. One solution is to place the music in a separate part, such as a personal piece at the gathering afterwards rather than in the religious service. How a funeral service in Switzerland generally runs, seen from the guests' side, is explained in The Swiss funeral service.
Bring your music wishes to the first meeting, ideally with the recordings. We check with the parish or the cemetery administration what equipment is on site and, if needed, put you in touch with musicians. What else we take care of is described under Memorial service; for the words between the pieces, see our guide Writing a eulogy.
Questions & answers
There is no single rule; the parish decides, usually the minister leading the service. Many parishes are open to personal wishes, sometimes with a suggestion as to where in the service the song fits best.
There is no requirement. Typical are entrance music, a piece between the speeches, perhaps a shared hymn and music as people leave. A few well-chosen pieces often have more effect than many.
According to SUISA, private events within a small circle of family and friends need no licence, but it reads “private” narrowly. Music in the Catholic and Reformed churches is covered by contracts with SUISA. For a large public service or a livestream, ask SUISA if in doubt.
Often yes, but not every funeral chapel has a suitable connection. Ask in advance, bring a backup, and put one person in charge of the music.
At Jewish funerals music is traditionally not customary; prayers are at the centre. At Muslim funerals the funeral prayer is the main element; questions about music are best discussed with the imam.
It depends on the venue and the musicians. Some parishes provide their organist, others charge separately for the music. Musicians set their own fees; ask for a quote in advance.