The Church Pianist: Arranging a Hymn for Offertory

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com

Just as an author creates an outline for a story;
so must the pianist sketch the layout of a hymn
arrangement.

The text determines the way I arrange the song.
For example, if the verse depicts a prayerful/
devotional mood, I would use rolled chords or
broken chords to produce a peaceful effect.

I will give a sample layout for an arrangement
of the hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness".

Verse one: (devotional mood)

Arrangement ingredients:

RH: single or two notes for a light texture
(middle range of keyboard)

LH broken chords

Verse two:
(light & airy at first to broader sound near
end of verse)

RH: octave higher (one to two notes for light texture)

LH: octave higher (broken chords)

LH: to normal area (below middle C) with broken chords
for a broadening effect on the following words:
"...there is no shadow of turning with Thee".

RH: remains high but fuller chords for broadening effect

*Style transistion:
Change to solid (blocked) chording on word: "Thee" in the
above mentioned phrase.

The solid (blocked) chords depict a spoken emphasis for the
following words in the song: "Thou changest not, Thy com-
passions, they fail not!"

Verse three: (More upbeat mood)

Speed: somewhat faster
Big chording in either hand to express God's goodness to
all His children!

All choruses: (Grand, majestic!)

Big chording once again

*I would skip the chorus after verse 2 and modulate
higher right into verse 3 to give a brighter tone to
an even more triumphant mood.


Remember, make sure the arrangement (improvised ingredients)
match the text of the hymn.

The main purpose of the offertory is to deliver an important
message through music. Remember...the offertory hymn
must be familiar enoughto relate to the listeners. The
listeners should be able to mentally sing right along with you
as you play.You may even hear some singing aloud, though
softly. That's ok! It means God is using you to minister to
their heart in song. What a blessing!

The Church Pianist: Piano Hymn Arrangements Book Review for Offertories

Here is the beginning of several posts on: Piano Book Reviews for Offertories

I gave links or company information to ease your search for each book.

1. Christmas Duets for Two Pianos by James Manfield

http://www.lorenz.com/results.aspx?srch=quick&cid=christmas+duets+for+two+pianos&c=christmas+duets+for+two+pianos&pg=1&rpp=30

(Late intermediate; Lots of variety!)

Excellent book for church and piano recitals

Songs in book:

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

What Child is This?

Joy to the World

Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night,

O Little Town of Bethlehem

2. Draw Me Nearer by Faye Lopez

http://store.wilds.org/index.php?cPath=39_30_40

(Advanced; One of my favorites) Evangelistic style throughout.

Songs in book:

I Am Thine O Lord

Fairest Lord Jesus

Have You Any Room for Jesus?

Immortal Invisible

Does Jesus Care?

It is Well With My Soul

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

At the Cross

Amazing Grace

The Love of God

Trust Medley (Trust and Obey with Trusting Jesus)

And Can it Be?

I Must Tell Jesus

3. Blessed Assurance

(Various arrangers: Judith Rea, Peter Davis,

Nathan Arnold, Duane Ream, Jenifer Cook, Joy Mefford Malone,

Rebecca Bonam McDaniel)

http://www.bjupress.com/product/087601

(Late intermediate to early advanced)

Song List:

Blessed Assurance

Rock of Ages

For the Beauty of the Earth

Nearer Still Nearer

This is my Father's World

Wonderful Words of Life

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Give of Your Best to the Master

My Saviour's Love

Carol of the Bells

Hope this list of book reviews for piano hymn arrangements is helpful!

I will share more in the near future.

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com