Get Creative: Piano & Organ Duets for Worship Wednesday, July 22, 2020
recommended by Caryn G. and Judy S., Sacred Piano Music Specialists
Festive Hymn Settings for Piano & Organ arr. Joel Raney
Here are 15 duets for piano and organ for a variety of occasions throughout the church year. There are selections for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and general occasions. These settings are derived from Joel’s popular series of Worship Openers. While the Worship Openers are extended works that include optional handbells, choir, and sometimes brass, these arrangements have been condensed and modified in order to make them more accessible for busy church musicians who are looking for exciting preludes, offertories, and special music. Titles include: “All Hail the Power,” “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come,” “The Gift of Love,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” “Joy to the World,” “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee,” “Lift High the Cross,” “Lord of the Dance,” “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” “O Worship the King,” and “To God Be the Glory.”
Glory and Honor, Praise and Adoration! arr. Lloyd Larson, Intermediate
From contemplative to celebratory, Lloyd Larson’s colorful settings make the most of the expressive sounds of the organ and piano in this worshipful collection. With hymn arrangements suitable for Christmas, Easter, and everything in between, you and your duet partner will welcome this inspiring addition to the repertoire. Two copies are required for performance. Titles include: “All Creatures of Our God and King,” “Be Thou My Vision,” “Crown Him Lord of All,” “Fairest Lord Jesus,” “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” and “It Is Well with My Soul.”
A Handel Celebration arr. Gilbert M. Martin, Level 3
“Go to him to learn how to achieve great effects, by such simple means,” said Beethoven of Handel. Yet for all their simplicity, the works that showcase Handel’ s brilliance – his oratorios and operas – are rich with dramatic strength and lyrical beauty. This collection is a modest attempt to utilize the power of the piano and organ to explore the great sense of melody on display in those works. In the hands of a lesser composer, the character of Handel s music could be lost, but Gilbert M. Martin makes these masterworks shine. Titles include: “Air (from Rinaldo),” “Coro (from Water Music),” “Festive March (from Rinaldo),” “Largo (from Xerxes),” “March (from The Occasional Oratorio),” “Prayer (from Judas Maccabaeus),” “Where’er You Walk (from Semele),” and “With Trumpets and Horns (from Water Music).”
Majestic Praise arr. Mary McDonald & Larry Shackley, Moderately Difficult
Mary McDonald and Larry Shackley have blended their talents again in this delightful collection of praise and worship favorites for organ and piano. As in the first two volumes in this series–“Glorious Praise” (70/1681L) and “Powerful Praise” (70/1732L)–they mix “classic” songs with more recent compositions, once again showing that traditional instruments can have an active voice in blended and contemporary worship. Titles include: “Give Thanks,” “God and God Alone,” “I Will Rise,” “Majesty,” “Mighty to Save,” and “Stronger.”
The Solid Rock arr. Lyndell Leatherman, Intermediate/Advanced
Lyndell Leatherman arranged four hymns in expressive organ and piano duet settings that are deeply connected to the verses of each hymn text. The composer provides many useful options and suggestions, including varied possibilities to shorten the settings for use in service as well as possibilities for projecting the words during each piece. These settings provide an ideal opportunity for prayerful contemplation in worship. Titles include: “The God of Abraham Praise,” “The Ninety and Nine,” “The Solid Rock (Eternal Father, Strong to Save),” and “When Love Is Found (The Gift of Love).”
O God, Our Help in Ages Past arr. Mark Hayes & Marvin Gaspard, Advanced
After decades of requests for another duet book, Mark Hayes and Marvin Gaspard teamed up again to create this volume of festive hymn arrangements for piano and organ. Their collaborative writing style draws on their creative similarities and differences to produce some of the finest music available within this unique genre. The ten hymns in the book span the entire church year, with both general and seasonal selections, and each piece includes program notes. This “must have” collection will provide tremendous service and concert duo literature for years to come. Titles include: “Amazing Grace,” “Brethren We Have Met to Worship,” “Coventry Carol,” “For All the Saints,” “How Firm a Foundation,” “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence,” “Lift High the Cross,” “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “O God Our Help in Ages Past.”
Symphony of Praise arr. Mary McDonald & Lloyd Larson, Moderately Advanced
Two of the most recognized names in church music have teamed up to create this inimitable collection of hymn arrangements. In “Symphony of Praise,” Lloyd Larson and Mary McDonald harness the unique power and colors of the organ, and match them with the dynamic nuance and percussive presence of the piano. These magnificent pieces will delight congregations throughout the year! Titles include: “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name,” “Christmas Gloria,” “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” “Hymns of Grateful Praise,” “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” and “Tidings of Joy.”
Worship His Majesty arr. Ron & Linda Sprunger, Intermediate/Advanced
Lift the hearts of your congregation with these beautiful duets, including traditional hymn tunes and contemporary worship songs. Ron and Linda Sprunger share an unbreakable faith in our Lord that quickly spreads to those who hear and play their music. For personal worship, lyrics have been provided to allow you to mix your voices with the awe-inspiring combination of organ and piano timbres. Titles include: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today/Majesty,” “God’s Amazing Grace,” “I Love the Church,” and “In Christ Alone/The Solid Rock.”
Contact us for more recommendations, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
Caryn G. has over 21 years of experience working at Stanton’s in both the Piano and Choral departments. During her career, she has been a church pianist/accompanist and a piano teacher. Her experience makes her a valuable connection for anybody who calls the piano department.
Judy S. has 30 years of private piano teaching experience and 40 years as a church pianist. Her experience makes her a valuable connection for anybody who calls the piano department.