2014 Greatest Christian Hits: Piano Book

Tornquist's touch with contemporary Christian songs means these arrangements capture the emotional core of each tune without requiring advanced technique. The variety across 14 songs gives you genuine programming flexibility, whether you need a driving rock-styled number or a contemplative ballad for a service or recital.

These arrangements bring contemporary warmth to the piano. You'll find enough harmonic interest to keep things engaging, with rhythmic grooves that reference pop and rock styles without demanding virtuosity. The collection feels like church music that belongs in 2014, not hymnal arrangements of modern songs.

Student pianists working at the early intermediate level who want to play current, recognizable music without excessive technical demands. Church pianists looking to refresh their repertoire with accessible arrangements of songs their congregations actually know and love.

• Balance the melody clearly against any accompanying figures in the right hand. These songs depend on immediate recognition, so the main tune should always cut through.
• Pay attention to the dynamic shapes within each verse or chorus. Tornquist's arrangements often build intensity gradually, which requires thoughtful control of volume and touch rather than sudden jumps.
• Let the harmonic language breathe. Contemporary Christian music relies on specific chord colors and resolutions; rushing through them flattens the emotional impact.
• If using these in a worship setting, practice the transitions between songs in your program. Starting cleanly from one key center to the next keeps the service flowing naturally.

Use individual selections as prelude or postlude music in worship services, or program several songs together for a contemporary piano recital that speaks to students interested in current genres. The range of tempos and moods makes it easy to build a cohesive set that holds an audience's attention.

• Reading and executing contemporary rhythmic patterns (syncopation, swing feels)
• Interpreting chord symbols and jazz-inflected harmonic progressions
• Balancing melody against accompaniment figures in the same hand
• Controlling dynamics to shape emotional arcs across phrases
• Navigating between multiple key centers in a short medley or concert set