Yesterday I played at the funeral of the most important Lithuanian historian of our time - Prof. Edvardas Gudavicius. His TV program some 3 decades ago was widely popular in the country because he helped to form a very extensive view to Lithuanian history for the post-Soviet generation.
I improvised on the organ 4 pieces based on the Requiem Mass Gregorian chant. I also had to sing Sanctus and Agnus Dei parts but the mic up on the organ wasn't working so people downstairs could hardly hear my voice, even though I sang from the top of my lungs.
When I sang the Psalm and Alleluia downstairs, the sound was fine.
Towards the end of the ceremony I also had to sing In Paradisum and Chorus Angelorum with organ accompaniment. Again, without the mic my voice could be heard only on the video. Afterwards, I improvised a bit more.
I like Gregorian chant as it fits wonderfully the colors that I'm creating on the organ. It also helps me connect with the great French tradition of improvisation. The instrument that I play has lots of warm colors to choose from.
On the not so bright side, they didn't pay me for my playing. I should have reminded them on the phone but I forgot. It's a bit humiliating to talk about the money. It should be self-explanatory that organist's services would cost something.
However, it is a truth universally aknowledged that the more important the deceased, the less money organist receives.