I hope this isn't too maudlin, but I'm now in what most folks would consider their sundown years. I'm fortunate to have lived a good life. I got a decent education, married the girl I always loved since I was a kid, served my country as an Army officer, worked my way up into some high-level human resources positions in industry, was president and owner of my own company, became a successful member of a respected firearms-related company, and in retirement, I pursued my passions of firearms and photography to become a gun writer and photographer. I've authored a well-received book, my legacy to future generations of firearms enthusiasts. My wife and I've raised four children, have five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. I'm proud of the way each of them have developed. I've outlived the years counted by my father just recently.
Although I'm in relatively good health, I suppose it's natural to think about end of life. I was musing today on what my funeral service would be like - I would like to be, in the afterlife, capable of hearing it. No doubt some friends and family will have some nice things to say, and I guess some other folks for one reason or another will skip the ceremony. I can't control these things. But I will have one request, and that's the music that will be played while some dear folks muse on my life. Here's what I've decided on:
Beethoven's Sixth Symphony - "The Pastoral" in its entirety. First of all, it's the most moving and beautiful classical music I've ever heard. My father introduced me to it by playing a 78-rpm record album when I was young. Today I have it on a CD, and it runs 43 minutes. The score dramatizes life, from pastoral scenes to the buildup of a storm, the storm itself, and then finally the resumption of sunshine and outdoors beauty. Some of you might remember it as the music from the dying scene in "Soylent Green" as beautiful pictures of scenery were shown.
I think this music most effectively symbolizes the way I view my life, from my beginnings to the end and beyond.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbfa86bTD34[/ame]
I know there are many on the forum who are also getting a bit long in tooth - and others who may have thought on this subject. What would you choose for the music that would be played at your end of life?
John
Although I'm in relatively good health, I suppose it's natural to think about end of life. I was musing today on what my funeral service would be like - I would like to be, in the afterlife, capable of hearing it. No doubt some friends and family will have some nice things to say, and I guess some other folks for one reason or another will skip the ceremony. I can't control these things. But I will have one request, and that's the music that will be played while some dear folks muse on my life. Here's what I've decided on:
Beethoven's Sixth Symphony - "The Pastoral" in its entirety. First of all, it's the most moving and beautiful classical music I've ever heard. My father introduced me to it by playing a 78-rpm record album when I was young. Today I have it on a CD, and it runs 43 minutes. The score dramatizes life, from pastoral scenes to the buildup of a storm, the storm itself, and then finally the resumption of sunshine and outdoors beauty. Some of you might remember it as the music from the dying scene in "Soylent Green" as beautiful pictures of scenery were shown.
I think this music most effectively symbolizes the way I view my life, from my beginnings to the end and beyond.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbfa86bTD34[/ame]
I know there are many on the forum who are also getting a bit long in tooth - and others who may have thought on this subject. What would you choose for the music that would be played at your end of life?
John
Last edited:
