Here's a new one for you... a gentle improvisation on the old 1898 hymn melody from by Grant Tullar (1869-1950) with words by Carrie Breck (1855-1934.)

Face to face I shall behold Him
Far beyond the starry sky
Face to face in all His glory
I shall see Him by and by

Thanks for listening! And if you have a moment, please pray for continued creativity as I improvise and arrange music. Enjoy the piece.

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A young listener (more and more people are "young") and piano music aficionado requested that I play For the Beauty of the Earth, the old hymn with music by conrad Kocher (1786-1872) and words by Fol­li­ot S. Pier­point (1835-1917.) An appropriate tune for springtime, as I'm waiting for my front lawn to grow.

For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies

Lord of all to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise

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Some of you who have been with Piano by Joel since the beginning will recall that I've previously recorded Be Thou My Vision, to the tune of the old Irish folk tune, Slane. But since I am always trying to improve the quality, musicality, and expressiveness of my work, I wanted to bring you something new. (Fresh?) This version features the solo piano, of course, giving the arrangement a contemporary feel; but I think you'll also find that the playing style, and the accompanying cello, lend a certain ancient quality to the piece.

Here are the lyrics, translated into English by Eleanor Hull around the turn of the century:

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art

High King of Heaven, my victory won
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all

Until next time.

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Today's piece is the Clement Scholefield (1839-1904) melody, The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended. The melody is beautiful, and the lyrics (below), powerful.

A listener once requested this song, which I had not heard before, to my recollection. So I listened and learned. It's beautiful. The rendition you're about to hear (link below) begins with the choir, smoothly transitions to the piano, cello, and other strings, followed by a clarinet solo, then a majestic finish. This arrangement doesn't do the song justice, but I like to think of it as a step in that direction.

Here are the great lyrics, penned by John Ellerton (1826-1893.) Make sure you read all the way to the fourth stanza to get the full effect of the epic nature of this song.

The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended,
The darkness falls at Thy behest;
To Thee our morning hymns ascended,
Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.

We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping,
While earth rolls onward into light,
Through all the world her watch is keeping,
And rests not now by day or night.

As o’er each continent and island
The dawn leads on another day,
The voice of prayer is never silent,
Nor dies the strain of praise away.

The sun that bids us rest is waking
Our brethren ’neath the western sky,
And hour by hour fresh lips are making
Thy wondrous doings heard on high.

So be it, Lord; Thy throne shall never,
Like earth’s proud empires, pass away:
Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever,
Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway.

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Happy New Year! This original composition used to be titled Kids in the Leaves, but seeing that it's winter here in the northern hemisphere, I changed it to Angels in the Snow. As you listen, I think you'll find that either title is appropriate.

I'm currently working on an arrangement of The Day Thou Givest, Lord, Has Ended. I hope to have it ready soon, for your listening pleasure. In the meantime, enjoy Angels.

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