If you are looking for a new setting for this funeral song, OCP have added Justin Krueger‘s one to Breaking Bread for 2025.
The text is the ICEL text in OCP’s preview, and the sheet music is also available at OCP.
The choice at funerals is have a soloist perform a song like this or find a familiar tune, like this version of the text set to OLD HUNDREDTH.
I made a backing for Krueger’s setting. I think I can hear a bit of “First Day of May” by the Bee Gees in there somewhere.
I just discovered that the various songs called “Song of Farewell” aren’t all based on the same text. Some are based on In Paradisum (May the angels lead you into paradise…) while others are based on Subvinite (Saints of God, come to his/her aid…). Apparently, they technically serve two different moments in the funeral Mass, but every funeral I’ve been to uses them interchangeably during the incensing of the casket.
OCP also recently released a contemporary “Song of Farewell” by Sarah Hart and Francesca LaRosa that includes both parts. The In Paradisum portion also has a full hymn version called “May the Angels Lead You Home” with verses and a slightly modified refrain.
For what it’s worth, several parishes in my area use “This Day in New Jerusalem” by James Bessert during the incensing. Usually a cantor (or the priest himself) sings the verses and the assembly joins in the refrain. During Lent, the Alleluias are replaced with “Praise the Lord” or something similar.
Thanks, Ryan
I haven’t played funerals myself as I have worked full time until recently, but maybe as I work a bit less I can get involved. I’ll have to have a good look at the details of the Rite.
Geoff