Image courtesy Lorenz
So many people identify with “classic” hymns and gospel songs. The tune to “His Eye is on the Sparrow” by Charles H. Gabriel is as easy-flowing as it is complex. There is a natural swell at the chorus that calls to mind the lilting bird as it darts from tree to tree. There are quite a few recordings of this famous song, but here is my version.
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If you’ve followed many of the performances I’ve posted on this blog over the last few years, you’ll find that many of the recordings have come from a series of books published by The Lorenz Corporation. “Hymns You Love” is the latest and last book in this series which includes titles such as “Hymns We Love” and “Classical Hymns We Love.” All of these books took some of the most well-known sacred composers and asked them to arrange two songs each of their favorite hymns in a given sub-genre. This last book turned that model on its head. Lorenz asked their customers to submit their favorites for the six composers to arrange. The result is twelve songs of varying styles and difficulties that blend to create a unique type of piano collection. Read on to see what’s in the book and my thoughts on the arrangements.
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No podcast for April. I do have one lined up for May. In the meantime, here are three questions and answers with composer/arranger Pepper Choplin. (more…)
Next month’s interview will not be a podcast, but I’ll still be talking to a well-known composer. Pepper Choplin agreed to answer three questions for me. Since I would have a hard time narrowing my questions down to just three, I’ll rely on all of you to ask the questions. You can read a little bit about Pepper at his website here to maybe get some ideas for questions. Submit your question suggestions in the comments below. I’ll pick the best three and post his answers next month.
Oh, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Lads and Lasses!
Image courtesy of Lorenz Publishing
Topping my list of favorite piano arrangement series’ is the “Hymns we Love” series from Lorenz Publishing. There are four books in the series with another scheduled to be released this year. Each book contains twelve songs. Pepper Choplin, Mark Hayes, Lloyd Larson, Mary McDonald, Ruth Elaine Schram, and Larry Shackley all contribute two songs each. Pepper Choplin’s “Marching to Zion” is features in this post. (more…)
