Reflections for Worship

By Mark Hayes

I was looking for some instrumentals based on well known sacred songs and I thought this looked good from the titles. But I really can't play any of these pieces at church. They are much too flamboyant for our congregation. And I won't play any David Haas anymore...

and should have looked more closely at the titles of the songs before purchasing. But once I played the opening measures of a few of the songs I knew that this wasn't the book for me. Even my husband yelled to me from the kitchen: "Yikes! What is that?" I am returning this book.

I was thrilled to find some lovely arrangements of modern hymns to play for church. The publisher--Hope Publishing Company--is covered by CCLI, so I thought I was good to go. Well guess what? At the bottom of the first page of each piece is an extended copyright notice...

giving rights to OCP of Portland, Oregon, and stating that the piece is not covered by CCLI or OneLicense. What a dirty trick! Apparently these people don't want this music to be played or heard! I'd return it but have already marked it up.

This is a lovely collection of favorite Catholic hymns, and a nice addition to my repertoire. Despite what other reviewers have mentioned, I don't consider it overly "flashy" or difficult. I am a huge fan of Mark Hayes' work, and this collection does not disappoint. (Although he does have...

the verses to "On Eagle's Wings" in the wrong order in his arrangement!) I have fairly small hands for a pianist, but these arrangements work nicely for me.

Wonderful music to play. Gives you a peaceful feeling to play these songs.

I like Mark Hayes arrangements. A little flashy but it lays under the hands well.