New Piano Collections from JOEL RANEY Tuesday, September 12, 2023
recommended by Caryn G. and Christopher B., Sacred Piano Music Specialists
60 Easy Hymn Settings for Piano arr. Joel Raney
Here are 60 familiar hymns, carols and spirituals all keenly crafted into moderately easy settings which you will find to be fresh and full of interest. Most pianist will have no problem mastering them, and many can be sight-read by the more accomplished. The wide selection of titles affords ample options for preludes, offertories and special occasions throughout the year. A useful subject index offers easy referencing. The average length of each solo is 2:30.
Gospel Greats 2 arr. Joel Raney
Here are 24 settings of familiar hymns, arranged in a wide variety of gospel styles. These classic hymns and traditional spirituals are useful through the church year. You will find useful selections for Christmas, Lent, Thanksgiving, weddings, funerals and everything in between. Most are of intermediate difficulty, while a few are easier and a few are more challenging. Titles include: “All Hail the Power,” “At the Cross,” “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come,” “Coventry Carol,” “He Leadeth Me,” “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” “I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger,” “I Must Tell Jesus,” “I Surrender All,” “It Is Well with My Soul,” “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” “Near to the Heart of God,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Open My Eyes,” “Rock of Ages,” “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” “Softly and Tenderly,” “Standing on the Promises,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “There Is a Fountain,” “The Solid Rock,” “’Tis So Sweet,” and “Whispering Hope.”
Shepherd Songs: 12 Meditations on Psalm 23 by Joel Raney
The vast majority of sacred piano music is hymn settings, but pianists often need music that sets a certain tone without calling to mind familiar lyrics. Here are 12 original, reflective, piano compositions with optional parts for C instruments and cello. Some are somber and melancholy, ideal for communion and memorial services. Some are warm and hopeful, perfect for general worship and weddings. Most are simple in form and under three minutes with optional repeats. If you’re looking for something playable and pretty, this is the collection for you.
Hymns for a Raney Sunday arr. Joel Raney, Moderately Advanced
A play on the arranger’s name, the title of this piano collection also reveals its contents: hymn arrangements by Joel Raney, featuring a water theme. The music covers a wide range of moods, so even if your Sunday isn’t rainy or reflective, it can still fit your service needs. Titles include: “Like a River Glorious,” “The Unclouded Day,” “Shall We Gather at the River,” “Deep and Wide with There Is a Fountain,” “Wade in the Water,” “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks,” “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing,” “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” and “Deep River.”
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About the Authors:
Caryn G. is a graduate of Trinity Lutheran College (Washington state). She has over 24 years of experience working at Stanton’s in both the Piano and Choral departments, specializing in sacred piano music. She is a church pianist/accompanist and has enjoyed being a piano teacher and singing in many choirs over the years. When not working at Stanton’s or at church, she loves spending time with family members and friends, traveling and exploring, watching movies, reading, bike riding and most recently trying to better her culinary knowledge and be a little more artsy by painting rocks and water coloring.
Christopher B. grew up in eastern Kentucky in a musically diverse family, and began playing organ at the age of 12. He majored in vocal performance with minors in keyboards and conducting at Marshall University and later received a Master of Theological Studies in congregational ministry from Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Christopher has served as a church music director and organist for more than 20 years, presently serving as Director of Music and Worship Arts/Organist at Church of the Master United Methodist in Westerville, OH.