Free arrangement - Shall We Gather at the River

Filed in Free Lessons on May 27, 2011



Here is a new free arrangement for you:

Shall We Gather at the River

This is one of those arrangements that is unfortunately considerably harder than it might look and sound.  Hopefully, you will consider it worth learning.

I am going to discuss some of my decisions in this arrangement in an upcoming video next week.  But in the meantime, here is a clip of me playing this arrangement (almost) exactly like it is written.  Notice me peering at the pages to try to get it right.  It is very hard for me to play anything as written, so I really struggled with this.  The performance is not perfect, but it will give you the idea.

If you don't see the video below, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPlBDeQelW4




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Robin K.
5/27/2011 11:01:02 AM

This is absolutely wonderful! Greg, this is a great idea. It is good to actually hear how an arrangement sounds before taking the time to learn it to see if it is worth the effort.

This one is definitely worth the effort, but it is very difficult. There are a lot of accidentals! Also Greg, remember that most of us do not have the hands you do. For example, I love the chord in measure 18 beat 3 but I can't play that in my right hand.

The harmony throughout is just exquisite.

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Shane Johnson
5/27/2011 12:06:36 PM

Robin, the chord you are talking about is just a diminished chord. But the voicing is what makes it special. Spreading out the notes like that is hard but it makes the chord just pop. Love this Greg

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Lisa T.
5/27/2011 12:09:14 PM

Beautiful arrangement, Greg! Thanks so much for posting -- I will be downloading this music for sure!

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Diane Hochstetler
8/21/2011 5:49:06 PM

So many arrangers these days seem intent on obscuring the melodic line. Thank you for an arrangement that is musical, challenging, AND allows the listener to meditate on the lyrics because the melody is intact. I'm glad I "accidently" found your music!

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Don Johnson
9/15/2011 5:36:21 PM

Thanks Greg for another gorgeous arrangement! Can't wait to play this one during the offertory next Sunday. Do you have any tips for recording? I can't seem to find a way to record my music and actually get a good clear piano sound.
Thanks and keep up the great work!
Don

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