Hymns for Today: Piano Book

Tornquist's arrangements honor these beloved hymns without sentimentalizing them. The harmonic palette (unexpected modulations, jazz voicings) and rhythmic interest give pianists something genuinely engaging to play, while congregations hear the melodies they know and love. Approximate performance times printed in the book solve a real planning problem for church musicians juggling multiple services and changing seasons.

These hymns feel both familiar and newly discovered. Jazz harmonies and unexpected modulations arrive naturally, surprising you without jarring the listener. The rhythmic treatments range from subtle to more playful, giving the music a contemporary sensibility that respects rather than dismisses the hymns' spiritual weight.

Church pianists who want to refresh their hymn repertoire without abandoning traditional texts and melodies. Pianists studying at the late intermediate to early advanced level will find these arrangements rewarding to learn and perform, with enough harmonic and rhythmic complexity to hold their interest while remaining grounded in familiar material.

• Let the jazz chords breathe. Resist the urge to rush; these voicings have color and deserve space to register with the listener.
• Honor the rhythmic surprises without exaggerating them. They should feel natural, not imposed, so the congregation stays connected to the hymn text.
• Balance accompaniment texture with congregational volume. The arrangements are rich enough to support modest singing; adjust pedal clarity based on your acoustic space and how much the pipes or sound system carries.
• Use the provided timing as a guide during service planning, but remember that congregational singing naturally varies. Build in flexibility during rehearsal.

Build a benediction or communion service around these arrangements, choosing hymns that match your liturgical moment and your congregation's comfort level with harmonic color. Alternatively, feature one arrangement during a confirmation or special service to showcase your pianist's musicianship while keeping the focus on congregational participation. These work equally well as prelude or postlude material when you want music that engages without demanding listening.

• Reading and executing jazz chord voicings on the piano
• Managing unexpected modulations and harmonic progressions while maintaining melodic clarity
• Adapting rhythmic interpretations to congregational singing
• Balancing pedal technique across varied harmonic textures
• Programming music for liturgical contexts with timing and musical intent