Experiencing the Sound of Loss: Music and Bereavement Theory

Abstract

Various studies have shown that music plays an important role during contemporary funerals. Most music that sounds during funerals is played because it evokes memories of the deceased (Adamson & Holloway, 2012; Bruin-Mollenhorst, 2018). The music that had played an important role during the life of the deceased becomes an important part of the so-called ‘personalised funerals’ (Bruin-Mollenhorst, 2018). After the funeral, the music often has a ‘special place’ in the life of the next of kin. Referencing bereavement theory and paying special attention to the continuing bonds model (Klass & Steffen, 2018), this chapter explores the music and death nexus by studying the diverse ways in which personalised funeral music is experienced in the period after the funeral, ranging from unexpected and unpleasant confrontations with funeral music to daily experiences of consolation through this music.

Citation

Bruin-Mollenhorst, J. (2022), "Experiencing the Sound of Loss: Music and Bereavement Theory", Bennett, M.J., Shadrack, J.H. and Levy, G. (Ed.) Embodying the Music and Death Nexus (Emerald Interdisciplinary Connexions), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 159-169. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80117-766-520221011