We Gather Together (Medley) (Shall We Gather at the River / Let Us Break Bread Together / We Gather Together) - Piano Solo: Piano Solo

Grounded and purposeful. These arrangements sit firmly in the hymn tradition while making room for modern harmonic thinking and pianist-friendly figuration. There's warmth in the voicings and a sense of gathering, whether quiet and reflective or more declarative.

Early advanced pianists ready to dig into arrangements with textural and harmonic sophistication. This collection suits students preparing for festival play, those exploring the intersection of spirituality and social justice through music, and teachers building programs around themes of community and care.

• Balance the independence of both hands throughout; these arrangements layer melody and harmony in ways that reveal themselves only when each voice speaks clearly
• Approach the harmonic vocabulary with deliberation rather than rushing into tempo. Mendoza's color choices reward listening and will resonate differently depending on how you voice the chords
• In the medley itself, identify the moments where one tune yields to the next and shape the transitions so they feel inevitable rather than abrupt

The medley works as a powerful concert opener or closer, anchoring a program with spiritual intention. Draw from individual pieces throughout the year to complement repertoire built around stewardship, diversity, or peace themes, or program several selections back-to-back for a recital that deepens as it unfolds.

• Voicing four-part harmony across the keyboard with control and clarity
• Managing rhythmic independence between hands in varied time signatures
• Sustaining emotional expression through harmonic color rather than excessive tempo variation
• Interpreting pedagogical tradition (hymn writing) through a contemporary harmonic lens