SOLO with PIANO
All Creatures of Our God and King
With a militaristic feel throughout, the violin soars over the piano accompaniment and creates improvisation-like embellishments and builds into each successive section of this arrangement. The melody intertwines between the violin and piano in the final section, leading to a declamatory resolve. This is an inspirational setting of the beloved melody that will uplift the spirits of your audience at your next performance.
Recording produced at Ashland United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri with Shaun Agnew, Director of Worship Arts and Web Ministries
Aloha Oe (Farewell to Thee)
This Hawaiian folk song, perhaps the culture’s most famous, was written by Lili’uokalani in 1878 when she was Princess. It was originally written about the parting of two lovers, but as she ascended the throne to become Queen the song was heightened to become the national anthem of the Hawaiian kingdom. The simplistic melody and the supportive piano accompaniment allows the song to be accessible and relatively easy to create a heartfelt performance.
Amazing Grace
with Gymnopédie No. 1
The timeless and well-known melody perfectly fits within the famous piano meditation, with some slight modifications to enhance the modal and rhythmic transitions of the original Satie work. This arrangement brings both songs together to elevate their familiarity and for your audience to enjoy.
Recording produced at Ashland United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri with Shaun Agnew, Director of Worship Arts and Web Ministries
Come, Thou Almighty King
Bonjour! You will feel like being on the streets of Paris with this new setting of the familiar Easter hymn. Set as a French waltz, the violin first performs the melody antithetically in a declamatory sense before joining the leisurely and simplistic meter established by the piano accompaniment. Through it all, this arrangement has an easy-going feeling that will bring a care-free happiness to you and your audience and embrace the joie de vivre. Au revoir!
Recording produced at Ashland United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri with Shaun Agnew, Director of Worship Arts and Web Ministries
A Cup of Coffee, a Sandwich and You
Upbeat, light-hearted songs were the norm for American popular songs during the early 20th century. Vaudevillian and comedic in their musical treatment, many of these tunes were designed as love songs. This particular tune by Joseph Meyer illustrates the scene at an automat or diner where a simple date – along with a light meal and drink – can be the best thing on the menu. Arrangement for this song was mainly modeled from its performance by the barbershop quartet The Buffalo Bills.
Funiculì, Finculà
Celebrating life (la dolce vita) is a common practice in the Italian lifestyle. Music, singing, and dancing are key companions in creating an upbeat atmosphere, which is dually illustrated in this famous tune by composer Luigi Denza. The light-hearted, bouncy nature of the accompaniment creates the support for the triumphant melody as it soars for all to hear. This arrangement gives the performers a challenge to perform the ending portion of the song (an encore of sorts) as fast as possible.
Go Down, Moses
The African-American spiritual are powerful and resounding in their lyrics as well as their musical treatment. Depicting the events from the book of Exodus, this arrangement creates the landscape of this illustration through a sweeping treatment of the melody and a broad, lyrical accompaniment. The grandiose feeling of the song should be felt throughout the performance.
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Runyan’s powerful melody is encapsulated with this dignified arrangement that aims to replicate the power of its message. During the introduction and transitions, the hemiola in the piano accompaniment provides a warm landscape and support on which the violin performs development passages and continuously build to each following section. The piano takes over the melody as a solo before rejoined by the harmonizing violin, then builds into a final declaration of love toward the one true God. This will be a powerful performance for your audience at your next worship service.
Recording produced at Ashland United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri with Shaun Agnew, Director of Worship Arts and Web Ministries
He Leadeth Me
The Bradbury hymn gets the classical music treatment with this arrangement. A legato violin melody effortlessly sings over the consistent eighth-note drive in the piano. The left hand of the pianist gets to play the melody alongside arpeggiations from both the right hand and the violin. With final chord hits stereotypical of classical music to end the work, you and your audience will be thoroughly entertained in this cheerful rendition.
Recording produced at Ashland United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri with Shaun Agnew, Director of Worship Arts and Web Ministries
I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls
Also known as “The Gypsy Girl’s Dream”, this aria comes from the 1843 opera The Bohemian Girl. Though the opera’s popularity has faded over time, this tune became a standout hit and still well-known to this day. It has been covered and performed by many artists around the world, most notably operatic soprano Dame Joan Sutherland and Irish singer Enya. The beautiful lyricism of the work creates a dream-like atmosphere that performers and audiences alike can find their own hope and peace.