The Church Pianist: Piano Introductions: Part One...6/8 Timing with Fermata Endings

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

I enjoyed writing these piano introductions for hymns

in 6/8 timing containing fermata endings.


Remember that a fermata is a bird's eye looking symbol
written over notes. They are usually found close to the end
of songs. You simply hold these notes a little longer than the
norm.


Special note:


The church pianist must ignore these holds when playing
introductions.


See previous article on introductions for more information:



http://thechurchpianist.blogspot.com/2008/09/church-pianist-introduction-tips-for.html



Here's an audio of Piano Introductions (Part One)



There's a slight pause between each example and
I play a little of the song after each introduction.

http://www.box.net/shared/volkaqz29y

The Church Pianist: He Lives (fermatas)

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

The hymn "He Lives" has several
fermatas at the end that can be awkward
for the church pianist.

Here's an example of what I play at the end of
"He Lives" for congregational singing.

The secret to a well-felt fermata is for the church
pianist to keep the music (tempo) moving while
the singer(s) hold the note.

If the pianist stops on the fermata note, it will
disrupt the flow of the music and cause
confusion on when to start up after the held
note.

Listen to the following excerpt of today's
free music sample of "He Lives".


http://www.box.net/shared/32mvekl4il

The Church Pianist: Fill-ins for Fermatas

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com

How to Handle Fermatas

A well trained music director will

slow down prior to fermatas.

He will hold the fermata (held word)

with one arm while the other arm

keeps moving to dictate the speed

of the pianist's fill-in during the fermata.

I've posted several songs with fermata

fill-in ideas for the church pianists.

Click on the images to view.

Notice the accent signs; which help to guide the

singers and give stability to the director's hand

motions.

I hope you find these fermata examples helpful.

Please excuse the rough format. I'm having

to learn how to add images with text.