Hans Christian Andersen worked with a composer to arrange music for his own funeral!

Hans Christian Andersen was a world famous author and poet. He was best known for his fairy-tales, including "Thumbalina," "The Princess and the Pea," "The Little Mermaid," and "The Emperors New Clothes." Anderson, who was also an avid traveler, was also lauded for his travel volumes.

In 1872, Andersen fell out of his bed and was hurt badly. He never fully recovered, and then discovered that he had liver cancer. He died in August 1875.

Before his death, Andersen met with a composer to discuss the music at his funeral. He apparently said, "most of the people who will walk after me will be children, so make the beat keep time with little steps."

(Source)