IMSLP Forums

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for some recommendations for arrangements of hymn tunes as stand-alone pieces for the piano, in the spirit of the organ tradition of "preluding" on a hymn--using the hymn tune but branching off into different harmonizations, counter-melodies, or even creating a fugue or other new musical structure with the hymn-tune as one theme. There are tons of wonderful organ arrangements out there, but I can't find much for the piano, other than fake books, materials for beginning students, or super-cheesy arrangements of praise songs.

Thanks
Heather

Hi Heather!
I definitely understand your frustration with finding hymn arrangement for piano that have some musical integrity and inventiveness. I tackle this issue often and I'd like to suggest that you take a listen to two of my recent arrangements of "Be Thou My Vision" and "For the Beauty of the Earth". The first pits the hymn melody against a faster moving, celtic infused countermelody and the second ventures into extensive reharmonization and distant key areas. I haven't attempted a fugal treatment on a hymn theme to date though...
You can hear an extended preview at the media player: www.jnoelliste.com. If you are interested in the sheet music, just send me an email at jnoelliste@gmail.com. I'm not sure if these are the sort of arrangements you are looking for, but, I'd be happy for you to check them out and send any feedback my way

Joseph Noelliste
Solo Pianist and Composer
www.jnoelliste.com
jnoelliste@gmail.com

Hi Joseph,
Thanks for sharing your work here. I am happy to have found these! And I'll keep an eye out for your future publications too
Heather