Piano by Joel: the Fresh Piano Blog and Podcast: January 2006

By Request: Faith of Our Fathers

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Today's hymn, in response to a listener request, is a delicate improvisation on Faith of Our Fathers. Henri Hemy (1818-1888) was kind enough to leave us this fine music, and Frederick Faber (1814-1863) penned the original lyrics.

Faith of our fathers, living still
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whenever we hear that glorious Word
Faith of our fathers, holy faith
We will be true to thee till death

Some of these hymns have been around a long time, and no doubt have changed countless lives. But the Faith has been around much longer, breaking down the barriers which once separated us from God and each other, and giving us the power to become eternal sons and daughters of God through Christ. I hope you'll contemplate the ancient faith as you listen today.

This song is the musical equivalent of a rough draft, but I like it, so I thought the PBJ community would like to hear it as well.

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Enjoy Faith of Our Fathers.

Click Here to Listen

From the Studio

Hi all. I've been working on an arrangement of Faith of Our Fathers, so I'm writing this from the studio, to the tune of my latest improvisation. I like what I'm hearing so far, but I think it needs a bit more refining. When I arrange, I usually improvise on a song several times, during which I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the work. After a few times through, I start getting to know the song, and new possibilities begin to emerge. It's probably very much like meditation, only with music rather than scripture. Both allow someone to see things that they haven't seen before.

Well, the recording continues to play in the background. This version has it's rough spots, as does your pianist, I suppose, but it still has character. I'll consider releasing it. I just need to remind myself that this blog has never been about finished products.

Good night.

Holy, Holy, Holy

Hi everyone, I am pleased to bring you the first piano rendition of the new year. This is an improvisation on the Holy, Holy, Holy, which I suspect many of you have sung either as a hymn or as a contemporary praise chorus. This tune is actually an old hymn, with music by John Dykes (1823-1876) and words by Reginald Heber (1783-1826.)

This particular arrangement is contemplative, and as with many of my works, I attempt to create a simple yet beautiful piece by varying the harmony and melodic lines.

Perhaps you would like to reflect on the lyrics of this hymn as the piano plays in the background. The words can probably be found in just about any hymnal, or elsewhere online. Powerful descriptions of God, with "cherubim and seraphim falling down before" him, make me think that a Person this unique and wonderful in the universe deserves far more of my attention, and a larger place in my life.

Thank you for listening, and enjoy the piece.

Holy, holy, holy
Lord God Almighty
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee
Holy, holy, holy
merciful and mighty
God in three Persons
blessèd Trinity

Click Here to Listen

Back in the Studio

Guess what, I just found out that Holy, Holy, Holy is in the public domain. I was under the impression that it was a contemporary melody! It turns out that the tune dates to 1861. I'm currently working on a new arrangement of it. I'll start out like I usually do, by improvising on the melody. Then I keep what I like and discard the rest, and presto! You have a fresh hymn arrangement.

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Happy New Year

Hello again, piano fans. I took some time off for the holidays, but I'm ready to have a seat at the piano once again, and provide you with more original arrangements and improvisations. Get an iPod for Christmas? Feel free to visit the index (link below) and fill it up with some piano tunes. You can also subscribe to the Piano by Joel podcast from iTunes.

Be sure to check back in a few days for a new hymn arrangement!