Softly And Tenderly / I Surrender All / Pass Me Not: E-Z Play Today

This collection brings together three enduring hymns in an arrangement that respects their spiritual weight while keeping the piano part accessible. The E-Z Play Today series has always delivered clarity without condescension, and these four pages of material work beautifully for students learning to accompany singers or for pianists seeking repertoire that sits naturally under the hands.

These three hymns carry the quiet strength of American worship. The arrangements honor their simplicity while allowing the piano to add warmth and spiritual resonance, creating a contemplative yet grounded musical experience.

This arrangement serves pianists of early intermediate skill who want to build confidence with hymn accompaniment and singers preparing sacred repertoire for recitals or services. It's equally valuable for music teachers looking for accessible material that introduces students to the harmonic language of American hymn traditions.

• Let the melody breathe in the right hand; these hymns carry meaning through their contours, so avoid rushing the phrases even in faster passages.
• Balance the accompaniment to support rather than overshadow the vocal line if you're accompanying a singer.
• Pay attention to the harmonic movement in slower sections; clear pedal work will illuminate the emotional arc of each tune.

Include these pieces in a spring or Easter concert program alongside other spirituals or folk songs for a program that speaks to reverence and tradition. They also work effectively in chapel services or community worship settings where piano accompaniment adds dignity to congregational or solo singing.

• Hymn accompaniment technique and chord voicing
• Pedal control in legato sacred music
• Phrasing and breath awareness in melodic accompaniment
• Recognition of standard harmonic progressions in American hymnody