This collection of reflections on favourite hymns emerged from a project undertaken by the author a number of years ago. At the time, the idea was to create a piano arrangement of one hymn, write a few thoughts on the music and text, and post it on a blog every week for one year. The passing of time has since opened up the space to develop these writings, to finish thoughts that needed to expand, and to revisit meaningful ideas that will speak to the hearts and minds of many. These reflections are about finding a place within these old songs that offer a glimpse into who we were, who we are, and who we can be. These hymns inspire us, baffle us, warm our hearts, remind us of people and places long gone, and ultimately provide guidance for those who sing them whether we adhere to the faith in which they are found or not. These are songs that can fill us with joy, purpose, and hope. They are the hymns we've loved. These are the songs we sing.
Praise for These Songs We Sing
As a church musician and pianist, the discovery of Carla Klassen's volume of inventive hymn arrangements several years ago was like meeting a new friend with whom one feels an instant connection. In These Songs We Sing, Carla's written voice is as satisfying as her musical voice, creating a devotional guide for Christian discipleship as she explores why these timeless hymns resonate so deeply in our individual and collective souls.
-Dr. Beverly Lapp
Vice President and Academic Dean, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
Carla Klassen has taken on a self-motivated spiritual journey; one hymn per week for a year. She covers a wide spectrum in the lexicon of hymnody with astute observations, personal sharing, pertinent historical context, and storytelling. Each chapter ends with a testimony to God's grace and gentle encouragement to the reader. This study would make an ideal devotional guide.
-Dr. Larry Nickel
CEO of Cypress Choral Music Publishing
About the Author
Carla Klassen is a piano teacher, accompanist, professional chorister, and church musician. She has been singing her whole life and has spent the past number of years rediscovering traditional hymns as an arranger, having arranged for piano more than one hundred and fifty of these sacred songs. When she is not making music, she is an avid traveller, art lover, and collector of all sorts of treasures.
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