Saturday, March 7, 2009

The Church Pianist: Piano Accompaniment for Christ Arose: Part Two



Here is the rest of the piano
accompaniment for the chorus
to: "Christ Arose".

Editor notes for today's example:

Measure #8

The right hand begins breaking up
the beat with eighth notes due to the
slight rit.

Measure #9 and 10

Right hand triplets for the militant tone

Measure #10

Left hand plays alternating bass octaves
for the chord: E flat

Measure #11

Full chords on the end for a grand finale sound


"Christ Arose" is a beautiful hymn and should sound
triumphant!

I hope the piano accompaniment ideas for
this hymn will help you as you prepare for Easter.




4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenifer!

I just came back from my service. (Japan's Sunday comes around 14 hours earlier)
It was my turn to serve as a pianist and since visiting your blogs I was able to incorporate some of your advice. Thank you!
Since our church is very small, we don't have a song leader and the pianist needs to lead the congregational singing, that is give signs when to start singing and when to take a breath.
I am still having difficulties with this. Right now, I sing and I lift my hands slightly earlier on the last note and I also take a breath. This works fine at beginning of a song but I find it difficult doing this in between the melody. Could you provide some advice on how to show signs on when to start singing and when to take a breath?

Anonymous said...

Wow! A tough question to answer.
I've never tried to lead and play at the same time.

There have been times I've led the congregation in song but they knew the song and just followed along as I played.

Here's what I did:

1. Keep the tempo moving at the end of the introduction to ensure a confident entry of singers on first word of song.

2. Keep the tempo moving at between verses for the same reason.

*Slowing down at end of introduction or end of verses causes a disruption in the flow of the music and singers won't know when to enter verses.

*Of course, I would slow down at the end of the final verse.

*I probably use my head more than anything to dictate slowing down as I play. It's just something I've always done without thinking.
I've noticed it helps others stay with me when trying to follow along.

Hope this helps!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenifer!

Sorry to trouble you with my question. And thank you so much for your advice. Yes, I will try these in my next service.

I know playing and trying to lead (sending some kind of sign to inform the congregation) is difficult.

Maybe I can discuss with our Music Director to have someone lead the singing. There is so much to think about every time I serve but I am happy to do this and I thank Lord for blessing me with this opportunity. I thank Lord that I can read and write English to be able to access to your blog.

Thank you again, and do have a wonderful week.

Anonymous said...

No trouble at all. Just didn't know if I could help much on that question.

You're a talented lady to be able to do all that at one time!

Hope you can find a song leader to help you out.

It's exciting to be able to help someone on the other side of the world!

I'll pray for you as you serve the Lord in music.

Sincerely,

Jenifer