I have a frustration around hymn arrangements for solo instruments and piano. Most of them are written at about a 7th grade level for the instrument. No runs, no fun rhythms, and no ornamentation, just a hymn that is played exactly how we would sing it.
That’s great for 7th graders or someone who is just coming back to their instrument. I have absolutely no problem with young musicians playing in church. In fact, I encourage it. On the other hand, it’s discouraging for anyone at a high school level or above.
When I was in college, I found one book that I absolutely love. The arrangements are beautiful and interesting. The problem is finding a church organist who is able to play it. The piano part is harder than the flute part and it would take the average church organist 3 months to learn it. Not practical.
I’m starting to see more and more hymn arrangements out there that have a harder flute part, which is great to see. I’m glad that the composers are hearing us and filling our needs.
The problem with these arrangements is sometimes people with doctorates in piano have a hard time playing the accompaniment part. I’m not exaggerating. Many of the books try to overcome this by coming with a CD which is nice for at home but a little cheesy for a performance.
I would like to see more hymn arrangements in the school of Donjon’s Offertoire which has half-notes in the accompaniment and 32nd notes in the flute part. Unfortunately Offertoire isn’t hymn-based, but you get the idea. Arpeggios are prettier on the piano than half notes, so maybe do some *easy* arpeggios in one hand with half notes in the other hand.
I know that the answer to all of this would be to just write them all myself, but I have a hard time getting over my fear of sending stuff in to the publisher. Therefore, I have a hard time finishing things. Anyone want to stand over my shoulder and make me do it? (Kinda joking, but really I’m not.)
So, hear me, oh, ye sacred composers! We want church flute music that’s challenging for the soloist but sight readable for a church organist – we’re talking right around early to middle intermediate. Go! Do! Be better than me and actually send stuff into the publisher!
