Church pianists are often asked to provide music that is reflective and meditative in nature. The six hymns in this collection by Martha Mier were chosen because of their beauty and for the messages of comfort and hope that they convey. Titles: * In the Garden * It Is Well with My Soul * Near to The Heart of God * Sweet Hour of Prayer * 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus * What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Providing literary analysis and historical background, Leland Ryken invites us to experience great hymns as powerful works of devotional poetrysavoring elements that we easily miss when singing them.
Martha Mier's Tennessee Treasures takes a musical journey to three different cities across the state of Tennessee. Written in three movements, it begins in Memphis. "Down on Beale Street" is a slow, bluesy piece that celebrates the musical heritage of one of the most famous streets in that city. Nashville, the home of country music, is highlighted in "Ballad for Nashville," a lyrical country waltz. The final movement, "Sunrise in the Great Smoky Mountains," visits the eastern part of the state and the city of Knoxville. The broad grandeur of the mountains is evoked through big chords, arpeggios, and a sweeping melodic line, providing a fitting close to the suite.
A specialist in seventeenth-century Germany piety and devotional writings presents new translations of the prose works and hymnody from the century following the start of the Protestant Reformation
Some hymns simply have an extra sprinkling of divine magic. The first notes thrill from the organ, and we are home. There's little wonder that we refer to the majestic sound of choirs of angels: Surely the kingdom of God is full of the sound of singing. Author Richard H. Schmidt offers a homecoming of sorts in his newest book, Sing to the Lord an Old Song. His meditations on forty classic hymns remind us of a shared faith--by generations before and with generations to come. Though the words and tunes may be entrenched in memory, Schmidt sheds new light on these hymns, inviting us to think about the texts through various lenses of scripture, faith, and personal experience. His reflections are painstakingly honest about how and when he has come up short as a follower of Christ--as well as how he each time, he finds notes of forgiveness, love, and hope in these familiar songs. Saint Augustine explained the power of song in his oft-quoted adage that those who sing pray twice. Come, sing and pray of amazing grace. Amen. Alleluia!
