Pipes at a wake/funeral

[aonghas]

This may not be the place to ask but here goes.
I am trying to prepare my wake and I was going to ask a piper to play "The Flowers of the Forest" but was told that this lament could only be piped for a friend by a friend, I barely know the piper, would this be another mis-step preparations?
If so any suggestions for a lament?

[Chas]

I believe that you have been grossly misinformed.

Regards

Chas

[Singlemalt]

Aonghas, I had the sad duty of arranging my mothers funeral last year. She had made it clear she wanted a piper and it was easy to arrange through the funeral home. I left the selection of music up to the piper and he did a great job. Certainly "Flowers of the Forest" was played and prominent but I particularly enjoyed "Towrie Burn" (I believe the same tune is also called The Black Isle). It seemed to evoke an appropriate mix of sadness in passing but celebration of a life well lived for a proud lady of 89 years.

[aonghas]

Singlemalt, my condolences on your loss. Yo
Chas, Singlemalt, thanks for the response I`ll talk to the piper and get his advice.

[imrichmond]

This may not be the place to ask but here goes.
I am trying to prepare my wake and I was going to ask a piper to play "The Flowers of the Forest" but was told that this lament could only be piped for a friend by a friend, I barely know the piper, would this be another mis-step preparations?
If so any suggestions for a lament?

No, this would not be a mis-step at all. There is absolutely no reason why the piper could or should not play The Flowers of the Forest at your wake. This tune is the official lament of the Canadian armed forces and of the Royal Canadian Legion and is played at every Remembrance Day ceremony where there is a piper. I and virtually every piper I have ever known have played it at funerals for people we had never even heard of before being engaged to pipe. There is no particular mystique about the tune. It's just a very moving lament.

[flyrod6057]

First off: while you may be preparing your wake, I truly hope that it occurs on a date far into the future!

That said: As a piper, I am moved any time I have the chance to honor someone's passing with Flowers of the Forest. Knowing the deceased isn't a requirement. Honoring their life and passing is the important thing. I hope someone pipes me across to the great beyond to the very same tune....

[TheOfficialBren]

I think that "Flowers of the Forest" is a lovely piece. One of my favourites.

Here is a nice VINTAGE (very old and crackling) version. Most audiophiles will probably appreciate it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k7c6...e_gdata_player

[aonghas]

Every day I wake up I thank Creator, day to day whenever it comes. That's why so many questions the need is urgent.
But I plan ahead just in case tomorrow is not the day

[creagdhubh]

I believe that you have been grossly misinformed.

Regards

Chas

***

[Macman]

aonghas, I agree with what everyone else has said. I think there is a lot of misinformation about "The Flowers of the Forest", especially among pipers. A lot of "traditions" and legends seem to have sprung up about the tune. I've heard everything from "it can only be played at your service if you served in the military" to being told that it can't be played or practised indoors on pipes. I'm with you - my heirs have strict instructions to have it played at my service. Hopefully my brother will play it. I hope our wakes are far in the future!