The Choirmaster's Burial by Thomas Hardy
The narrative centers on the final wishes of a choirmaster who, upon his death, desires a musical tribute at his grave. He had often expressed a wish for his former choir members to play his favorite psalm, which evokes a sense of reverence and connection to the divine. However, when he passes away, the vicar decides against fulfilling this request, opting for a quicker burial service due to the cold weather, which he believes is more practical. The choirmaster's burial occurs without the music he cherished, a decision made without consideration of his wishes. The vicar's choice reflects a pragmatic approach to death, prioritizing efficiency over the emotional and spiritual significance of the choirmaster's request. This act of neglect sets the stage for a haunting twist. Later that night, the vicar witnesses a spectral scene at the grave. A group of ethereal figures, dressed in white, gathers around the choirmaster's resting place, singing and playing the very psalm he loved. This supernatural occurrence suggests that the choirmaster's spirit is present, and his desire for music transcends the physical constraints of the burial. The choir's performance serves as a poignant reminder of the choirmaster's impact and the enduring power of music. The story explores themes of duty versus desire, the nature of remembrance, and the connection between the living and the dead. It highlights the tension between societal norms surrounding death and the personal wishes of individuals. The vicar's practical decision ultimately leads to a haunting realization that the choirmaster's legacy and spirit live on through the music he cherished, even if it was not honored in life. The tale concludes with the tenor man recounting the events of that night in his old age, emphasizing the lasting impression the choirmaster left on those who knew him. The narrative serves as a meditation on the importance of honoring one's wishes and the transcendent nature of art and memory.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Drama · 369 words
First lines
HE often would ask us / That, when he died, / After playing so many / To their last rest, / If out of us any / Should here abide, / And it would not task us, / We would with our lutes / Play over him / By his grave-brim / The psalm he liked best- / The one whose sense suits / "Mount Ephraim"- / And perhaps we should seem / To him, in Death's dream, / Like the seraphim.
As soon as I knew / That his spirit was gone / I thought this his due, / And spoke thereupon. / "I think," said the vicar, / "A read service quicker / Than viols out-of-doors / In these frosts and hoars. / That old-fashioned way / Requires a fine day, / And it seems to me / It had better not be."
What this Textopian page supports
The Choirmaster's Burial is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Hardy, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Drama, Romanticism, Gothic Fiction
- Length: 369 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Choirmaster's Burial by Thomas Hardy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical qualities typical of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep themes of death, memory, and tradition, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Drama — The dialogue and character interactions suggest a dramatic quality, focusing on emotional and thematic conflicts.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and the sublime reflect elements of Romantic literature.
Tags
burial · choirmaster · music · rural · community · tradition · death · grief · loss · faith · identity · conflict