Posts Tagged ‘the battle hymn of the republic’

The Battle Hymn of the Republic: Piano Arrangement (part two)

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

The “Battle Hymn of the Republic” is a hymn the church pianist must “dress-up” to enrich the congregational singing. It’s not always easy to grab every note “word” of a hymn when it contains a busy rhythm such as the frequent dotted rhythm in the “Battle Hymn”. Moving from word to word can be quite awkward for the church pianist.

Remember…the hymnal is written for voice parts not the instrument. The church pianist must learn to adapt…creating a simple but full-sounding accompaniment that will support the singers…making them sing out with even more energy and confidence.

Editor notes for Part Two of “Battle Hymn of the Republic”

*Please click here to print part two so you can view the music while you read the following notes:

1. I only added a few of the sixteenth notes from the vocal score into the piano accompaniment…creating a more user friendly hand movement, which in turn helps the pianist maintain a steady beat for the congregation.

2. When I play the chorus…I deviate so much more from the melody–using sprinkles of 3-note triplet chords in the right hand during half notes. But…I kept enough melody in the chorus of this free arrangement for church pianists that may not be use to deviating alot from the melody.

Click here for Part One of Battle Hymn of the Republic

The Church Pianist: Patriotic Piano Arrangements!

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

American flag yo Pictures, Images and Photos  

July 4th is almost here!  Do you have a patriotic piano arrangement ready?

We’re using the “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” piano duo arrangement by Glenn & Jan Christianson.  Audio excerpt

A nice patriotic piano solo is “Onward Christian Soldiers” arranged by Elmo Mercer.  Audio excerpt

Just two weeks until July 4th!  I know at least  “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” is available for download.