Lyn Kirkland

Death ‘n’ Dying Discs

They say that the ability to hear is the last of our senses to leave us on our final journey. 

I hope for myself that this is true. Music has always been a powerful stimulus in conjuringup memories of people, of times, of feelings. 

Taking the popular radio series ‘Desert Island Discs’ as the inspiration for my piece and assuming I predecease my sons, I leave them my choice of music, and some help for them to plan my funeral perhaps? 

My choices are often melancholic, most from a time of youth. Impressionable, with big hopes for the future. It is a ‘work in progress’ the images that fill my mind’s eye when I hear them bring joy, some sadness, a little regret, but lots of warmth especially for family no longer with me. 

My Mother’s soft, warm cheek against mine. My often-absent Father’s strong hands. I sense the excitement and desire for my husband when still just a new man in my life! Love and laughter of car journeys, my sons singing at the top of their voices, misinterpreting lyrics, and laughing some more!

I hope that exhibition visitors might be transported to a different time and perhaps ponder on their musical choices.