This advanced organ solo, written for a three-manual instrument, is perfect for the concert stage, recitals, and extra special occasions in worship. Daniel Barta provides a piece that is expansive its design and full of emotional depth, and he allows the organist to explore the full range of the instrument’s color combinations. A delight for performer and listener alike, this work is one you will want to perform repeatedly. Preview the score and listen to an excellent full-length recording here.
Three Hymn Preludes for Organ (Jeremy Zimmer) added to the Shaw Music catalog
Jeremy Zimmer joins Shaw Music with this striking collection of three hymn preludes for organ. Highly chromatic, yet prominently centered on the tune, each setting offers musical insight into the original hymn tune. Useful in worship services throughout the church year. Preview the score and listen to a demo recording here.
Key Signatures and Effective Congregational Singing
Would you like a simple, effective way to enliven congregational singing? Try playing in a different key. Read my latest post on Prelude Music Planner to find out more.
Piano/Organ Repertoire for Advent/Christmas
It’s never too early for musicians to begin thinking about the holiday season. Read my latest article on Prelude Music Planner, Christmas in July: Piano/Organ Repertoire for Advent/Christmas. This includes suggestions of 10 different collections, as well as links to free downloads of some classical pieces (through IMSLP).
Hymn Prelude Library vol 11 published by Concordia
Concordia Publishing House has released volume 11 of the 12-volume series Hymn Prelude Library (based on Lutheran Service Book), containing hymn tunes that begin with ‘T’, ‘U’, and ‘V’. This volume includes my setting of the tune “Union City” (“If Christ Had Not Been Raised from Death“), by Phillip Magness (Cantor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broken Arrow, OK and composer with Liturgy Solutions). Other contributors to this volume (edited by Kevin Hildebrand) include Charles Callahan, Benjamin M. Culli, and Kristina Langlois. You may pre-order the book now, and it should become available on June 30, 2017.
Composer Interview
I was interviewed by Concordia Publishing House about how I got started as a composer, my thoughts on creativity and the writing process, one of my favorite pieces, etc. To read the interview, click here.
How to Re-harmonize Hymns
Have you ever wanted to learn how to re-harmonize hymns, to accompany congregational singing? My latest blog post on Prelude Music Planner provides a 5-step process on how to do this. Check it out here, and be sure to download the free re-harmonization of the hymn “Gethsemane” (link at bottom of post).
Mount Holly, NJ Organ Dedication Service
On February 26, 2017, I will perform in the Organ Dedication Service at the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Holly, NJ. The church’s Organist and Director of Choirs, Jackie Bozarth, has been coordinating the rebuilding project since 2015 (following a 2012 proposal), and the time has come to celebrate with music. I will perform William Mathias’s “Fanfare,” J. S. Bach’s “Ich ruf’ zu dir” (from Orgelbüchlein), my own hymn prelude on “Austria,” and my own Partita on “For All the Saints.” The church is located at 125 Garden Street, Mount Holly, NJ, and the service begins at 3 pm.
Music Colloquium at Milligan College
I am looking forward to presenting a lecture at Milligan College on Friday, November 18, 2016. I will be addressing the freshman class of music majors as part of their Music Colloquium, talking about various career options in music-related fields and sharing some of my own experiences.
Hymn Prelude Library vol 9 published by Concordia
Concordia Publishing House
has released volume 9 of the 12-volume series Hymn Prelude Library (based on Lutheran Service Book), containing hymn tunes that begin with ‘P’, ‘Q’, and ‘R’. This volume includes my setting of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” (PRECIOUS LORD), written by Thomas A. Dorsey (“The Father of Black Gospel Music”) during a period of great suffering and loss. Other contributors to this volume (edited by Kevin Hildebrand) include James Biery, Charles Callahan, and Wayne Wold. You may pre-order the book now, and it should become available on June 30, 2016.
