Christianos in Latin means "follower of Christ" - which is exactly the faith that I profess and the inspiration for my hymn-based collection below.
1. Star Spangled Banner
First performed at the 2020 Conservative Political Action Conference, I captured a few elements from my initial performance and combined it into an arrangement for me to sing and play simultaneously. It includes the common lyrics of our National Anthem but quickly follows it up with a lesser-known stanza written also by Francis Scott Key. A valuable element in this last lyric is the emphasis on our national motto, "In GOD we trust." Lyrics can be found here.
2. The Power of the Cross (O To See The Dawn)
This is one of my favorite songs which reflects deeply on my philosophical and faith foundation in the Gospel. The arrangement first reflects over the sinful nature of man and the leading to the Crucifixion and takes a joyful twist midway to celebrate the power of the Risen Savior.
3. Speak O Lord
Another classic from Keith and Kristyn Getty, this song was arranged in 2019 in preparation for a church offertory. Its quiet style - which contrasts to many of my other heavier, octave-heavy arrangements, is designed to prepare the heart for worship.
4. All Hail Medley
I had fun stringing together a few recognizable hymns! Starting with "My Hope Is In The Lord," the arrangement emphasizes the chorus words "For me, He died, for me, he lived" with the octave slides across the keyboard. It proceeds to "All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name" and finishes with two variations of "Crown Him with Many Crowns."
5. In Christ Alone
As opposed to a standard arrangement, this is a rendition borrowing several techniques from my friends at Lakes Bible Church in Walled Lake, Michigan. In combining various orchestral elements and adding my flair to the piano version, it's important to highlight the theology of the third and fourth stanzas with the power of the Resurrection.
6. Take My Life Medley
This medley includes the famous 19th Century hymn "Take My Life and Let It Be" which is followed by excerpts from "And Can It Be," "Nothing But the Blood," and Michael W. Smith's "Draw Me Close." It deviated from many of my usual themes: inclusion of upward-running scales in the beginning, augmented chords in the center, and a cross between two melodies at the end -- all spanning 4 different keys.
7. Blessed Assurance
Years ago, I heard this mesmerizing piano duet for this hymn. Unable to ever locate it, I decided recently to recreate my own version. Taking Fanny Crosby's hymn of assurance and adding a few extra touches, this truly embodies my story and song of faith.
8. To God Be the Glory Medley
I've played this as a postlude a few times by nature of its majestic, bell-chiming sound. This medley mixes "To God Be the Glory" with "Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee" and ends with a resounding "Doxology."