Ancient Words: E-Z Play Today

DeShazo's arrangement respects the emotional core of this modern hymn while keeping the piano part within reach for pianists at various levels. The E-Z Play format strips away unnecessary complexity without sacrificing the song's spiritual weight, making it realistic to prepare quickly for Sunday services or special programs.

The piece carries quiet conviction. Rather than demanding attention through complexity, it invites listeners into a moment of reflection through a clear, singable melody and supportive harmonic foundation. The brevity of the score mirrors the directness of the song's message.

This arrangement serves pianists developing confidence with contemporary hymn repertoire, worship leaders preparing accompaniments for services, and students exploring accessible sacred music. It's equally suited to classroom performance or congregational worship contexts where simplicity and clarity matter.

• Let the melody sing through clearly in the right hand; the left hand's role is supportive, not competitive. Resist the urge to add flourishes that would muddy the lyrical line.
• Shape each phrase with gentle dynamic swells rather than dramatic leaps. This style of sacred music rewards restraint and intentionality.
• The two-page length suggests this works well as both a solo performance piece and as accompaniment for a vocalist. Coordinate your tempo with any soloist in rehearsal to establish a shared pulse.

Pair this with vocal soloists during special music segments or use it to open a concert of contemporary sacred works. Its compactness makes it ideal for students exploring hymn arrangements as a teaching tool, or for accompanists building a repertoire of reliable, quickly-learned pieces for regular use in worship settings.

• Reading simple lead sheet notation and E-Z Play numbering systems
• Balancing melody prominence in two-hand keyboard writing
• Accompanying a vocal line while maintaining independent piano texture
• Interpreting dynamics and phrasing in contemporary hymn style
• Quick score preparation for performance-ready arrangements