Mark Hayes: Gospel Hymns for the Intermediate Pianist

By Mark Hayes

This collection of gospel hymns is great! Mark Hayes has put together another well arranged book very tastefully written that brings me joy as I play the music contained on each page.

I purchased this book because almost all of the songs in the book would be familiar to people in the congregation that I play for. The arrangements are not difficult, most are so far below my technical level that I can easily sight read them without a lot of practice...

. All of them sound excellent, how great thou art has an enormous sound while being very easy to play and the reharmonization with the augmented triad in the final chorus is perfect. I have decided to follow Jesus, is kept very simple. It simply modulates up a half step 3 times. Sweet hour of prayer is calming, slow and well written. I could continue like this through the rest of the collection but I think you'll understand that they are all good. I think I might pick up more difficult level arrangement next time But if you had to pick just one book from Mark Hayes this would be it.

I purchased this music for myself, the piano teacher. The selections are excellent for an intermediate student to play in a concert, personal enjoyment, or even accompanying a chorus. A good mix.

It is wonderful. I am retired and play something of his every day. Since this book arrived, I’ve played through at least half of it daily for my own enjoyment. The gorgeous harmonies are typical Mark Hayes. I have more than a dozen of his piano books and enjoy...

playing them all (even though I wouldn’t attempt the advanced ones in public.). This one is easy enough that I plan to use it when I’m needed to play for something. I read through the entire book with ease when it arrived, but the arrangements are just as beautiful as his advanced arrangements——-just not as many notes! Most of the pieces could be played at a memorial service, or for Sunday communion or offertory.

Excellent arrangements that are enjoyed by our congregation. If you like a modern variation to traditional hymns with excellent transitions and key changes, this book is for you. I find that it appeals to young and old.