Some hymns, such as Angels We Have Heard on High, contain busy inner voice movement.

I’m referring to the weaving alto part under the melody of the chorus.

It makes it tough on the piano fingers!  There’s no need to play every note during this kind of passage.

I simply play more blocked chords that include the moving voice parts to support the singers (congregation).

Stepping bass octaves in the left hand add movement needed to maintain a peppy tone.

Just remember to simplify busy inner voice movement by using blocked chords that agree
with the voice parts.

 Angels We Have Heard on High (inner voice movement)

Do you know what “inner voice movement” means?

It’s all those moving notes under the melody that add
extra life to an arrangement.

A good example of inner voice movement can be found
in the hymn “Jesus is Coming Again”.

Look at the first few words of the chorus….

“Coming again, coming again”.

The moving notes under the melody for the right hand
is the inner voice movement.

The proper hand treatment (varied weight) can make or
break the inner voice movement.

How to play this phrase of “Jesus is Coming Again”
for right hand…

1. Go heavy on the octaves

2. Play softer and lighter staccato on the inner voice movement notes.

*Special note: Hold onto the octave while playing the inner
voice movement. Allow the wrist to lightly bounce up when
playing the inner voice movement to avoid tightness in the hand.