Anthem: E-Z Play Today

Cohen's arrangement of this spiritual anthem translates beautifully to the piano, where its reverent melody and harmonic richness shine without orchestral accompaniment. The piece strikes a rare balance between accessibility and artistic substance, making it equally valuable for a student recital or a concert exploring faith-based repertoire. Its six pages offer enough musical material to feel substantial while remaining manageable for intermediate pianists.

Solemn and searching, with an almost hymn-like quality that feels both intimate and universal. The piece carries the weight of Cohen's poetic sensibility without ever becoming heavy or overwrought; instead, it invites quiet contemplation and honest expression.

Intermediate to advanced pianists seeking repertoire with spiritual depth and literary significance. Voice teachers and pianists preparing recitals that explore Cohen's songwriting legacy, as well as programs centered on faith, introspection, or 20th-century popular music.

• Resist the urge to rush through the melody. The power of this anthem emerges from patient phrasing and space between phrases.
• Listen closely to the harmonic movement in the left hand; it carries as much of the piece's emotional weight as the melody itself.
• Let the accompaniment breathe. Where the texture thins, resist filling empty space with unnecessary pedal or ornamentation.
• Shape the dynamics gradually rather than suddenly. This piece benefits from long, subtle crescendos that build naturally from the song's inherent architecture.

Position this as a closing piece or centerpiece in a recital exploring spirituality in modern songwriting. It also works as a thoughtful transition piece between classical and contemporary repertoire, or as an optional encore that deepens the overall arc of a concert.

• Phrasing long, sustained melodic lines with minimal accompaniment support
• Balancing melody and harmonic accompaniment when both carry equal musical importance
• Reading and executing dynamic control over extended passages
• Interpreting pop and songwriting idioms on the piano with classical technique