“Let the weak say “I am strong,” let the poor say, “I am rich”, let the blind say “I can see, It’s what the Lord has done in me.”
This great song by Hillsong’s Reuben Morgan speaks of the amazing upside-down world that Christ provides.
This is an arrangement for Choir with Piano accompaniment, and optional violin. The opening solo can be sung by a Tenor or Alto, depending on your choir’s strengths.
SATB arrangement with Piano accompaniment and optional violin. List price: $7.99.
A minimalist piano piece inspired by a road trip across the Nullabor, the stretch of road between Adelaide and Perth in Australia.
After an interrupted start, it expands into a molto perpetuo that depicts the continuous movement as you drive across this large continent. It expands, and changes in style, yet there is familiarity through the sections. It then cuts – almost abruptly – into a slower, reflective space. Driving across for the first time, there is a sense of awe that comes at certain parts, as you reflect on what you are doing. But that reflection can’t last forever, and it transitions back into the molto perpetuo once again. The piece closes with more reflection, remembering the incredible journey.
This piece would be excellent for a recital or performance. Length: 13-14 minutes. If you are performing this piece, please let me know through my socials – Ben Clapton Music on all the platforms – or as a comment below – so that I can send through some encouragement.
Solo Piano Composition. List Price: US$6.97.Buy it here.
Thought I’d share a little bit about the instruments that I play, and my journey on them.
The violin is my main instrument, and I’ve been learning it since I was seven. I’ve played in various orchestras over the time, played on stage with a band or two, and had a whole heap of fun doing it. The violin opened up the world of music for me, but it will always be my first love.
When I went to Uni, there were very few string players. There were only a couple of viola players. So, in order to help out with chamber music groupings, I taught myself the viola. I used my spare violin and converted it to a viola, learned how to read the alto clef, and started playing the viola. I didn’t play it for long, but I still count it as an instrument I can play.
My parents have a piano at their place, and over time I taught myself how to play it. I’m not great – and play the piano much in the same style as the guitar – I play the chords more than the melody line. However, I have taught myself to play a couple of easy pieces, so I’m not as bad as I was. I really enjoy playing the piano, but not having one at my place means I don’t get to play as often as I used to.
A couple of years ago, I decided that I wanted to learn the guitar. So I bought one and an instructional book, and spent a couple of days learning chords and how to play. Within a couple of weeks I was playing at church in the worship team. I love the guitar now, and probably play it more than my violin these days, but that doesn’t mean I still don’t love my violin – I just love both.
I can play a few other instruments, such as drums, ukulele, mandolin and recorder. I like having a go at various instruments, so there might be other instruments that get added to this list over time.
What instruments can you play?
Today we look at an army officer and a teacher of fortifications, a Russian of French and Lithuanian descent. No, I haven’t gone crazy, as he has particular significance in the history of music, being both a composer and music critic, and one of the members of The Five, or the mighty handful. He is César Cui, Born on this day in 1835.
Today we look at a concerto that inspires humanity. Written for Paul Wittgenstein who lost his right arm during World War 1, it reminds us that music eats at us, and if something gets in the way of us doing it, we will find a way to do it no matter what. Ravel’s Piano Concerto in D Major for the Left Hand, premiered on this day in 1932. Continue reading On This Day – January 5
Today we look at a composer who, though classified in the Baroque period, did much to influence the the Classical style. Domenico Scarlatti, born on this day in 1685. Continue reading On This Day… October 26
Brahms has often been criticised for never really using new forms in his compositions. However, in the piece we look at today, it could be said that he saved an old form that would have been lost otherwise. Brahms’ 3rd Piano Sonata, Op. 5, premiered on this day in 1854. Continue reading On This Day… October 23
Today we are looking at the first piano virtuoso, considered still by many to be the greatest pianist in history. Inspired by the violin virtuoso Paganini, Franz Liszt left behind a large body of works which still stand today as the most difficult of the piano repertoire. Franz Liszt, Born on this day in 1811. Continue reading On This Day… October 22
Today we look at one of the largest figures in the world of Romantic Piano. One of the greatest Polish composers, Frederic Chopin, died on this day in 1849. Continue reading On This Day… October 17
Another performer today, and this time one who is most widely known for his two fantastic recordings of the same piece – both at the beginning and the end of his career. However, he was an incredible pianist in all styles of music. Today, we look at Canadian pianist Glenn Gould, who died on this day in 1982. Continue reading On This Day… October 4