NEW CHRISTMAS MUSIC by JOEL RANEY
If only we could predict what form music for church services will take for the 2020 Christmas season. Whatever it winds up being, whether virtual or in-person, here are new titles from Joel to consider.
Peace - A Christmas Celebration for SATB Choirs
Featuring the iconic ballad "Let There Be Peace on Earth," Joel reflects on the promise of peace delivered by the angels on the night of Jesus' birth. The third in the series (following "Joy!" and "Hope!") of gospel-flavored musicals, "Peace" tells the Christmas story through scriptural narration and six beloved carols set in a variety of styles, from gospel to jazz to calypso. For more information, a full recording, and details on available accompaniments, click here.
Hymns and Handbells Vol. 2
Joel and Lloyd Larson have followed up on their popular first volume of hymn accompaniments by presenting 40 new easy (level 2) arrangements for handbells. Each hymn is arranged in two settings, the first to be played with the piano or organ, the second a treble clef variation (or descant) to be played in octaves. Included are essential seasonal titles like "Away in the Manger" and "Silent Night," as well as general hymns like "He Leadeth Me," "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," and "How Great Thou Art," that can be used throughout the year. Click here for details.
OTHER JUST-RELEASED RANEY TITLES (Click on the individual title for more info)
For Handbells:
On This Day Earth Shall Ring - Beautiful arrangement of "Long Ago, Prophets Knew" (PERSONENT HODIE) for 3-5 oct. Handbells and opt. 3-5 oct. Handchimes.
Where Are You Christmas? - From the movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." A charming setting of this Mariah Carey tune.
All Through the Silent Night - This enticing arrangement pairs level 2 Handbells (and optional Handchimes) with piano. Combines "Silent Night" with "All Through the Night."
Where Are You Christmas? - From the movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." A charming setting of this Mariah Carey tune.
All Through the Silent Night - This enticing arrangement pairs level 2 Handbells (and optional Handchimes) with piano. Combines "Silent Night" with "All Through the Night."
For SATB and Other Vocal Combinations:
Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Beginning to End) - A wonderful combination of one of the most powerful praise hymns ever written, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" with one of the most performed praise songs in contemporary worship, "Beginning to End."
This Train - Energetic, toe-tapping fun! This arrangement incorporates two other timeless spirituals, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," and "I Am Bound for the Promised Land."
Rejoice and Sing Praise - Can't decide what praise anthem to prepare for your next big event? Why not sing them all? Just kidding, but this big anthem is a well-crafted medley of some of the best praise songs around: "Shout to the Lord," "In Christ Alone," "How Deep the Father's Love," and "To God Be the Glory," to name a few.
Let Everything That Hath Breath - An original hymn to celebrate singing to the Lord. Words based on Psalm 150, it incorporates "O Worship the King."
I Know He Watches Me - A medley of three gospel favorites: "What a Friend," "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," and "God Leads Us Along." The playful optional flute part evokes the happy chirping sparrow.
Thankful People, Come - A wonderful introit for a Thanksgiving service. Antiphonal singing by SATB and Unison choirs sets up expectation of "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come," along with a little bit of the OLD 100th doxology. Add handbells and it becomes a festival!
The Wexford Carol - Beautiful and evocative treatment of the Irish carol with opt. Piccolo (or flute) for a bit of Celtic flavor.
Jesus, the Light of the World - (Candle Lighting) - The latest in the series of popular Advent candle lighting services, based on the gospel hymn by George D. Elderkin.
If You Love Me - This moving original ballad, which first appeared in Joel's Lenten cantata "At His Name," is now available for SAB choirs (C6321) and as a vocal duet (9076)
We Remember You - Originally from Joel's best-selling Lenten cantata "Love Divine," this prayerful ballad is perfect for communion.
Waiting - A catchy, soulfully energetic gospel anthem for Advent that incorporates "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." Originally from Joel's Christmas cantata entitled "Joy!"
This Train - Energetic, toe-tapping fun! This arrangement incorporates two other timeless spirituals, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," and "I Am Bound for the Promised Land."
Rejoice and Sing Praise - Can't decide what praise anthem to prepare for your next big event? Why not sing them all? Just kidding, but this big anthem is a well-crafted medley of some of the best praise songs around: "Shout to the Lord," "In Christ Alone," "How Deep the Father's Love," and "To God Be the Glory," to name a few.
Let Everything That Hath Breath - An original hymn to celebrate singing to the Lord. Words based on Psalm 150, it incorporates "O Worship the King."
I Know He Watches Me - A medley of three gospel favorites: "What a Friend," "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," and "God Leads Us Along." The playful optional flute part evokes the happy chirping sparrow.
Thankful People, Come - A wonderful introit for a Thanksgiving service. Antiphonal singing by SATB and Unison choirs sets up expectation of "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come," along with a little bit of the OLD 100th doxology. Add handbells and it becomes a festival!
The Wexford Carol - Beautiful and evocative treatment of the Irish carol with opt. Piccolo (or flute) for a bit of Celtic flavor.
Jesus, the Light of the World - (Candle Lighting) - The latest in the series of popular Advent candle lighting services, based on the gospel hymn by George D. Elderkin.
If You Love Me - This moving original ballad, which first appeared in Joel's Lenten cantata "At His Name," is now available for SAB choirs (C6321) and as a vocal duet (9076)
We Remember You - Originally from Joel's best-selling Lenten cantata "Love Divine," this prayerful ballad is perfect for communion.
Waiting - A catchy, soulfully energetic gospel anthem for Advent that incorporates "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." Originally from Joel's Christmas cantata entitled "Joy!"
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KEYBOARD MUSIC by JOEL RANEY...perfect for solitary music-making!
When you can't make music with other singers or instrumentalists, it's time to brush up on your keyboard skills. What better way to do that than to explore the piano and organ music arranged by Joel? Listed here are one organ and nine piano books, in order of their publication:
Ten Toccatas on Classic Hymn Tunes for Organ
There is nothing like a joyous organ postlude to send you home from church with a happy and light heart, ready for the challenges of the coming week. Wanting to share his own inspired improvisations at the organ, Joel has arranged ten festive postludes based on classic hymn tunes such as HYFRYDOL, DIADEMATA, EIN' FESTE BURG, HANSON PLACE, and more! An essential addition to any church organist's library! Click here to purchase.
Inspirations for Solo Piano
Joel teams up with Mary McDonald to present these unique arrangements of contemporary classics. There's also a 4-hand duet version of this book. Click here to purchase.
Hymns for a Raney Sunday
This pun was years in the making. Great arrangements of water-themed songs like "Wade in the Water," "The Unclouded Day," "Showers of Blessings" and "Like a River Glorious." Published by Lillenas (Lorenz) and can be found at a variety of retailers, including J.W. Pepper.
Expressions for Solo Piano
For advanced pianists who are looking for really challenging pieces! And for those interested in the symbolism of the cover illustration, Joel's the rather expressive green apple among the drab red ones. Click here to purchase.
Gospel Greats
What can be better than a Joel Raney gospel piano arrangement? A whole book of Joel Raney gospel piano arrangements! Click here to purchase.
Meditations for Quiet Worship
These simple, beautiful pieces are perfect for those contemplative times before a service, during offerings or communion. Click here to purchase.
Piano Meditations for Communion
Similar in difficulty and mood to the book shown above but specifically written for communion, these pieces include a part for optional vocal solo or congregation. Click here to purchase.
This Is My Story, This Is My Song
A wonderful set of moderately difficult arrangements, including "Just As I Am," "Blessed Assurance," "The Solid Rock" and more! Click here to purchase.
Overtures of Praise
More moderately difficult pieces..."overtures" that combine tunes into mini-medleys. Click here to purchase.
An Instrument of Your Peace
The book that started it all back in 1998. Wonderful arrangements of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," "A Mighty Fortress," "We're Marching to Zion," and many more. Be sure to check out the companion CD! Click here to purchase.
Joel's Unforgettable Debut at Carnegie Hall!
Under the auspices of Distinguished Concerts International New York, Joel Raney and Mary McDonald wowed the audience with their Christmas musical, "Sing Christmas!" at Carnegie Hall on November 17, 2019. A few friends assisted!
Nothing like having your own dressing room at Carnegie Hall!