Hymn Creations: Intermediate to Advanced Level

Maybe ONE song that is playable at church. Very down and depressing arrangements that are awful. Bought this and the other book at the same time as a pianist for my church who is always looking for new arrangements. It's AWFUL.

This collection came highlly recommended so I thought I would give it a try. UGH! This is why the best place for music books is still a brick and mortar store where you can actually see the arrangements and sometimes even try them out. First problem is that the arrangements are not Intermediate to Advanced--I would classify them as solidly intermediate because I played each one at performance level the very first time through with no trouble at all. The second problem is that arrangements are truly and honestly awful. Each one follows the same exact pattern---introduction, short verse of standard tune, short verse of tune thrust into a very unpleasant and awkward minor key, then third verse or short, abrupt ending. I do appreciate a good minor-key variation when done well, but these just make the pianist sound like she suddenly couldn't read the key signature. I will actually be trying to return this one to Amazon for a refund because I couldn't even find one song in the book that I would actually want to play in front of our congregation. Not a single redeeming page. It is most definately not a keeper for me.

I am not an accomplished piano player but even for me, this book is easier than I would have wanted, however there are some runs that my arthritic fingers don't handle well. The arrangements are pretty ho-hum and predictable, even though there are key transitions within each piece. Most of these arrangements would not work for playing in a Catholic mass (at least in my traditional church). Anyone know of good books that would work for Catholic services?

Just OK

Nice Book but I decided to give it to one of my granddaughters. She has played music by this composer. I think she will really enjoy his arrangements.

One of my go to music books for special music at church, beautiful arrangements that are not to technically difficult but that sound rich and full. I consider myself to be of intermediate ability if that helps you any.

These arrangements are excellent. I like almost all of them, which is rare. They are written very well. They sound more advanced than what they are.