For those of you who like to plan ahead, here is a piano duet on “Oh Come all ye Faithful.” I wrote this with intermediate to advanced students in mind, as well as an adjunct to the organ accompaniment for congregational singing. The harmonies should work together with the version in most hymnals. If you need it in a different key, the SCORCH version on www.sibeliusmusic.com will be available soon. The version below is in PDF format.
It is difficult to speak about the things of God, because they are more easily felt than articulated. This is especially true of music that has a connection to the divine. In preparing a talk about church music for sacrament meeting, I wrote down a definition of what it is about great music that makes it so special.
"This is how I interpret what my father called “soul” when applied to certain performances of great masterpieces of music. “Soul” goes beyond the technique, musicianship, and emotion of the performers, because there is something holy, a kind of merging between heaven and earth. It is a manifestation of the indwelling presence of the Lord, through the Holy Spirit. It is something that can connect with the divine that is within each one of us. Perhaps it is akin to what the woman felt when she
touched the hem of Christ’s garment and was healed."
(The complete talk may be found on a separate page on this website.)
touched the hem of Christ’s garment and was healed.
When I decided that I wanted to have an organ arrangement of Edward Elgar’s “Nimrod,” I was surprised at how many arrangements already existed: everything from beginning band to choral. What also surprised me was how different many of these arrangements are from the original orchestral version. I love the original version, and nothing can ever compare. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful piece, and I wanted to add it to my repertoire. In this version,I worked it out so that the legato of the original could be preserved, along with of the dynamics.
“Nimrod” is from Elgar’s well-known “Enigma Variations.” It is often played for memorial services. For church, it would be a good prelude for the Sunday on Memorial Day weekend.
Below is a free PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat to open it.
The song "O Divine Redeemer" by Charles Gounod is one of the most beloved pieces of sacred vocal music ever written. I have played this numerous times, accompanying both soloists and choirs. I found an interesting article about it by the LDS organist James Welch. He gives some background about the composer and his music, and the history of "O Divine Redeemer." He includes a literal translation of the original French, and ends with some comments of how it is been used in the LDS church.
I believe that church music does not have to be difficult to be effective. Many of my compositions are written for churches that have limited resources. Below are two free choir anthems based on hymn tunes by famous composers.
"How Wondrous and Great" SATB with piano or organ. Based on the hymn tyne LYONS attributed to Joseph Michael Haydn.
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will be available soon. The version below is in PDF format. 
October, 2007