Simply Sacred Piano Solos by Marshall McDonald

 Playing the piano or organ for church worship is something I do on a regular basis, and while I can "fake it" on the organ I love piano arrangements of church hymns so much better! Sometimes I sneak in a little piano prelude music with my favorite arrangements of pieces from Marshall McDonald's Simply Sacred books like "More Holiness Give Me" or "As Now I Take the Sacrament" before heading over to the organ for prelude.

Peaceful Hymn Arrangements

I was asked to play the funeral music recently for my friend's husband and felt grateful that the songs they had requested were in the Simply Sacred books. Although I can play more challenging arrangements by David Glenn Hatch or Marvin Goldstein, I actually prefer the simplicity and calm clear melodies with thinner harmonies in Marshall McDonald's arrangements of favorite hymns like "I Stand All Amazed," "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," and "Nearer My God to Thee"  in Simply Sacred 1. 

Energetic Primary Songs

"God be with You Till We Meet Again" in Simply Sacred 2 is my go-to song for postlude, although I can't think too much about the words or my blurry eyes don't let me read the music.😉

The books aren't limited to hymns but also include some more energetic primary song arrangements like "Give, Said the Little Stream" and "Follow the Prophet"

Favorites Not from the Hymns or Primary Songs 

I also enjoy the variety of pieces like "Gethsemane," "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and "Be Thou My Vision" in Simply Sacred 2  that aren't in the standard hymn or primary books of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but are definitely well-loved!

Easiest Arrangements

For my piano students wanting to play a musical number at church, I have them start with the simpler arrangements like "I Stand All Amazed," "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," and "Nearer My God to Thee"  in Simply Sacred 1 and "Come Follow Me" or "Secret Prayer" in Simply Sacred 2. Most of the pieces include just the melody in the right hand with various broken chord patterns or open intervals in the left hand.

I love how the intros, outros, and some extra interludes between the verses add to the beauty of these pieces while still keeping it simple enough for late beginner or early intermediate-level pianists to pick up quickly. Playing these pieces every week for my own enjoyment has inspired me to improvise a few other arrangements of hymns for fun.

Related Posts:

Gethsemane Simplified Piano Music Free Printable

Our Prayer to Thee Free Piano Solo Arrangement

Free Piano Lesson Plans

Free Simplified Piano Easter Arrangements

I Can Do All Things With Christ Simplified Lead Sheet

I Will Walk With Jesus Simplified Piano Lead Sheet
Free Simplified Christian Piano Music
Primary Chord Progression Songs with I and V Chords

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