WM HYMNS
Our wide selection of hymns has been recorded at a well-known Northamptonshire church using a superb pipe organ played by a classically trained and eminently qualified organist. A unique feature of many of our hymn recordings is the use of a small choir of young people whose voices have been recorded in such a way as to encourage others to join in with the singing rather than creating a performance for listeners only. Organ accompaniments without a choir are also included, although we have found that most crematoria prefer the choir to be left in as this helps to encourage and support the singing. Where verses of a hymn are to be omitted for a particular funeral, a recording can be supplied to match the requirement.
WM ORGAN
This is a selection of items commonly requested for the opening and closing of services. They were recorded using the same pipe organ as for the hymns, and can be 'looped' to play continuously for as long as required.
My first experience of working alongside this system involved a funeral with Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer at a pitch too high for me to join in with, followed by Amazing Grace with some twiddly bits in the middle of each verse which threw me when trying to sing along.
Because Wesley Music seems to have a closed list (presumably to avoid Performing Rights issues? are non-religious funerals exempted by the PRS/PPL?) I doubt whether I can get them to play a lower-pitched Bread of Heaven when I need it (and being in Wales, that will be at many funerals) - and then there's the whole point of principle about whether a Catholic religious ceremony ought to be accompanied by canned music at all, followed by the more pragmatic question of, if it's unavoidable, is it better to have the track with canned singers or just the organ?
I'd be pleased hear of any other forum member's experience with Wesley Music at funerals...
Thanks!
