ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on music in the physical space of the crematorium and the metaphorical space of the ritual. It explores the crematorium, not from an architectural perspective but from a musical and musical-ritual perspective. The chapter also focuses on the function and the effect of music as part of the crematorium ritual in relation to consolation. It also explores the relation between music, the crematorium and the cremation ritual in three different ways: music is framed; music is a social activity; and music produces a 'musical place'. The crematorium as a building is determined by its spatial practices. The ceremony in the auditorium/chapel is brought about by the interaction between physical space, words, actions and music; it is also related to preceding rituals and subsequent rituals. One of the non-musical processes that might take shape through participating in music during a cremation ritual is consolation.
