The Art of Hymn Playing to Inspire Your Congregation Tuesday, April 16, 2024
recommended by Christopher B., Organ Music Specialist
The Art of Hymn Playing by Charles Callahan
Charles Callahan is not only known as a respected composer and recitalist, but is also known as a creative church musician. His years of leading worship from the console are reflected in this expansive collection of useful pieces. Contains over 250 introductions, preludes, alternate harmonizations, and free accompaniments. This collection will stay on the organ console of organists for many years to come.
The Art of Hymn Playing, Volume 2 by Charles Callahan
Charles Callahan’s years of leading worship from the console are reflected in this second expansive collection of useful pieces for the church organist. A follow-up to his highly successful first volume, this edition once again offers over 250 new introductions, preludes, alternate harmonizations, and accompaniments. A CD is also included of the composer playing several of these settings.
The Creative Use of Organ in Worship by Hal H. Hopson
An extensive resource of 250+ hymn reharmonizations, plus 21 ways to improvise hymntunes for use as service music, along with a complete listing of modulations and 5 harmonizations for The Doxology.
Creative Hymn Playing: Improvisation, Exercises and Repertoire by Michael Burkhardt
Discover new ways to think about playing hymns with this performance guidebook for organists! A great tool to help improve hymn playing and invigorate congregational singing. Features include: 1. An overall view of hymn playing in the context of worship; 2. Dual use-tips for improving as well as literature for service playing; 3. An introduction to core improvisation techniques and skills; 4. Sequentially structured core improvisation preparation exercises; 5. 30 written improvisation on hymn tunes further illustrating core improvisation techniques and forms, useful as hymn introductions and voluntaries in worship.
Practically Perfect Hymn Playing: An Organist’s Guide by Albert Zabel
Hymn playing is an essential part of meaningful worship and, when done accurately and enthusiastically, it can inspire great singing in your choir and congregation. Unfortunately, we don’t become skilled hymn players simply by slipping on our organ shoes. And while it will still take practice, this concise manual, written in the personable, accessible style of veteran composer, author, and organist, Albert Zabel, certainly makes things easier. Within its pages is a step-by-step presentation of the techniques you need to be a good hymn player, with exercises to reinforce each skill. Also included are twenty-five of our best-known and beloved hymns — notated as they should be played, not as they appear in hymnals – each of which corresponds to a hymn tune included in Mr. Zabel’s previous guide, Practically Perfect Pedaling.
Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Author:
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.