The Lutheran Study Bible: ESV++
After much anticipation, my copy of The Lutheran Study Bible arrived about two weeks ago and I’ve spent some time getting to know it. The ESV has been my translation of choice since CPH released their hardback ESV Reference Bible a few years ago and I have appreciated the readable and rhythmic translation.
The Concordia Organist
I received an e-mail today from CPH that startled me even though I “knew” their new product would be coming eventually.
Wanted: One Outstanding Church Organist.
Music adds much to our worship, but musicians can be hard to find. Well, look no further.
The reality is that many churches have a difficult time finding an organist or even someone who can play the piano for worship services. Enter CPH. They have created Concordia Organist, a 31-CD set of all the hymns in LSB which can be used to accompany hymn singing.
New Music from CPH
This is just a heads up that CPH recently released their new choral, handbell, and organ books/pieces for 2009. As always, CPH has MP3s and PDF samples of the pieces to view before purchasing. On the organ side, at least, there were a few items that got my attention early on and I have since purchased.
If you’re in the market for some sacred music, give the folks at CPH a try. They have an abundance of resources — especially for the Lutheran musician. But if you want Paul Manz, Michael Burkhardt, or some of Robert Hobby’s pieces, you’ll need to head over to MorningStar Music.
CPH Goes MP3
Just a quick note — it looks like CPH has finally got into the 21st century with selling some of their CD’s as MP3′s. According to a CPH press release (no longer available), you can now buy selected CPH audio products from Amazon and iTunes. Both “Heirs of the Reformation” and “Martin Luther: Hymns, Ballads, and Chants” are available for download. The interesting thing is that the price on Amazon is $17.98 and $15.98 respectively, but the iTunes prices are $24.99 and $34.99. Hmm . . .
Both are excellent CD compilations of some of the finest Lutheran hymnody and a worthy addition to your audio library.
Joy to the Heart
On today’s Issues, Etc program Todd Wilken had Pastor Will Weedon on the show to discuss a great Easter hymn – Joy to the Heart (link to the MP3 of the show). It is well worth the listen.
Light of Christ – Organ Music Review
For the organists out there, I know the Epiphany season is quickly coming to a close and soon we’ll be pulling out the Lenten music. Before the Epiphany music goes into the filing cabinet, I thought I would pass along a recommendation for some organ sheet music that I’ve had the joy of playing this Epiphany season.
Ben Culli has composed a series of preludes on six Epiphany hymns entitled Light of Christ (audio and PDF samples available on the CPH website). I usually find Culli’s compositions challenging, but accessible — meaning I have to spend some quality practice time to reap the musical rewards.
Sneak Peak – New Organ Music @ CPH
For you organists (and choir directors) out there, it looks like Concordia Publishing House is starting to unveil their 2008 new organ music (and choral) collections. On first glance there are a couple of editions that look enticing.
Te Deum at Kramer Chapel
While reviewing some discussion threads over at Wittenberg Trail, a comment by Susan reminded me of my first experience singing Stephen Starke’s paraphrase of the Te Deum – “We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God” (LSB 941). Susan wrote, “Go to Kramer Chapel and hear those men singing Starke’s Te Deum. When you can breathe again, you’ll want to sing it to.”
Paul Manz – A Life Revealed
If you are a parish organist, you are probably familiar with the organ music of Paul Manz. If you are not a parish organist, you are unknowingly aware of Paul Manz via your organist who probably has used his hymn improvisations in worship services.
When Paul Manz was asked to give one piece of advice to someone venturing into church music, he said, “Love the people you have been called to serve.” These are good words for any church musician.
Invitation to Sing
Kantor Resch refers to the hymn introduction as an “Invitation to Sing.” If the introduction is “blah”, the singing will be “blah” as well. The “invitation” by the organist gives a foretaste of what is to come. One of the primary responsibilities of the organist is to engage God’s people in song.
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