| In the opening notes to this collection of musical arrangements, Noel Jones says that these are familiar hymns that are “easy to play” that you will “enjoy playing and your congregation will enjoy hearing.” This description perfectly describes this set of twelve well-known hymns.
Hymns that many of us have heard all our lives are given new life with these simple, yet evocative, arrangements accompanied by orchestral harps and string ensembles. Whether it is those old standbys like “Softly and Tenderly” or “Blessed Assurance,” there is something to please every ear in a congregation.
There is even a lovely arrangement of “Jesus Loves Me” that will be a delight to the younger members of the congregation who so often do not get to hear music aimed just at them.
No such set of musical arrangements would be complete without a spiritual. The arrangements and MIDI accompaniment to “I’ve Just Come From the Fountain” has playful syncopation and is entirely too short! One piece of music stands out as an exceptionally beautiful arrangement.
Noel’s rendition of “We Would See Jesus” is a wonderfully enchanting and powerful arrangement. While practicing this arrangement, a member of our congregation came over and asked what I had just played. He indicated that it was simply beautiful. This volume concludes with “What Heavenly Music,” yet another pleasing arrangement that reminds us for whom we play. What Heavenly Music is another Frog Music tour de force! I highly recommend this set of arrangements to anyone looking for some beautiful traditional hymns.
Keith Styles
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