This article was originally written for my former About.com website shortly after the events of September 11, 2001. It was updated a year later. While many of the suggestions
pertain particularly to the events in New York and Washington, anyone dealing with a time of grief may find help below.

There is something special about music. Scientists have been trying to explain it for years, but no one has been particularly successful. Throughout ancient history, music developed around the world, in isolated cultures that had no contact with each other. Human beings surround themselves with music in all areas of life. It is an integral part of weddings, parties, birthdays, wakes, parades, and funerals.  For some reason people connect with music (which is simply manipulated sound) on a deep (often emotional) level. This “spiritual” connection probably has a lot to do with the prominence of music in religions.

The events of September 11th, 2001 in the U.S. were received with a worldwide outpouring of grief that has left few unmoved. As the one year anniversary of the attacks looms, the public once again is dealing with grief and memory. Music can (and probably will) play a large part in the grieving and healing process.

Here is a list of possible avenues to explore in the search for musical comfort.

Attend a concert or service
Religious services are usually filled with music for comfort. Many churches across the U.S. and the world are open for special services to help people deal with the one year anniversary of this tragedy. Check your local paper.
If you are dealing with your own personal time of grief, this is a good time to attend your place of faith, whatever your faith may be.

Requiems
Requiems are usually settings of the Latin Requiem Mass (although sometimes in other languages). A Requiem Mass is a Mass for the Dead. They aren’t difficult to find as many composers have written them over the years. A composers to look for in regards to Requiems: W.A. Mozart, Verdi, Britten (the War Requiem), Fauré, and Brahms (Ein Deutsches Requiem). Symphonies and other performing groups around the world are planning special concerts that feature Requiems or other special music to remember and grieve.
If you are dealing with your own personal time of grief and are unable to find a performance, contact your library to see if they have a lending library of recordings.

Other Music with Text that may comfort you

  • Britten, Benjamin: The Choirmaster’s Burial (song)
  • Górecki, Henryk : Symphony No. 3 (Symphony of Sorrowful Songs)
  • Schubert, Franz: Du bist die Ruh (lied)
  • Strauss, Richard: Morgen (lied)
  • Traditional and Spiritual songs: e.g. Deep River

Ideas from the Forum

  • Barber, Samuel: Adagio for Strings
  • Beethoven, Ludwig van: “Moonlight” Piano Sonata (Op. 27, No.2)
  • Mahler, Gustav: various lieder
  • Walton, William: Symphony No. 1