"These songs are a part of who I am. They're my past, my present, and my future. I hope these timeless melodies will bring you the same serenity that they have always brought to me."
"Be Still My Soul" is the latest release from pianist Dave Shrewsbury. Centered around solo piano arrangements of religious favorites, the CD also features the talents of 3 guest vocalists and renowned violinist Hanneke Cassel. From the haunting first chords of "Be Still My Soul", Dave takes the listener on a personal and spiritual journey through some of the most beautiful music ever written.
Growing up in a small town in southern West Virginia, church was always a big part of Dave Shrewsbury's life. From the age of 5, he would hear hymns and come home and play them on his grandmother's piano without having seen the music. Never content to play them the same way twice, Dave would tirelessly experiment with different arrangements and look for unique ways to present these beloved melodies.
Throughout high school, Dave competed in many piano competitions including the National Music Educator's Piano Competition. In the WVMEA, Dave received 5 consecutive superior ratings, and he was chosen as the piano accompanist for the WV All-State Choir Twice. In 1997 he left West Virginia to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and in 2001 he graduated with a degree in Music Production.
Dave is currently a fixture at Community United Methodist Church in Wayland, MA, where his inspiring arrangements continue to captivate people on a weekly basis. This CD is a compilation of Dave's most loved songs, and is designed to be an uplifting companion on a rainy day, a strong hand to help guide you in times of trial, or a tool to help you look inside yourself and find peace.
This CD is a followup to Dave's 2004 release, "Christmas By The Piano", which is completely sold out!
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Chrissy Almeida sings "How Great Thou Art", the beautiful French tune "J'irai La Voir Un Jour", and the unique arrangement "Maria By Moonlight". Chrissy is a professional musician and is the choir director at Community United Methodist in Wayland, MA.
Becky Johnson sings "In This Very Room" by Ron Harris. Becky is a gifted singer and a member of United Methodist Temple in Beckley, WV.
Chip Atha sings the powerful arrangement of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow". Chip is an extraordinary singer who has toured the country with various choral groups and as a solo artist.
Hanneke Cassel graces the listener with her beautiful violin textures on "As The Deer", as well as "J'irai La Voir Un Jour". Hanneke has won many national fiddle awards, and has toured the world as a performer and a violin instructor.
Notes About Select Songs:
“Be Still, My Soul”
This song has an interesting history. Written in 1899, the tune, “Finlandia”, was part of a patriotic symphonic poem by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, and is unofficially referred to as the Finnish national song. This tune is a favorite of many people at Community United Methodist Church, including Betty and Larry Nilson. Several different songs are set to this tune, but the words to “Be Still My Soul” were written in 1752 by Katharina von Schlegel and translated into English in 1855, both before the tune was written.
“In This Very Room”
This song is a favorite of my mother, and is sung by Becky Johnson, a member of my home church in Beckley, WV. Becky and her husband Dan (who is the pastor at United Methodist Temple) have been two of my biggest sources of musical encouragement over the years. Their daughters Anne and Kate, who are both gorgeous singers, have also been good friends and great music partners since I've known them. One of my most cherished memories is Christmas Eve at United Methodist Temple, performing “O Holy Night” with Anne and Kate singing, and myself and Dan Bailey playing classical guitars.
“How Great Thou Art”
Chrissy Almeida and I arranged this version of How Great Thou Art one summer in West Virginia. The song has great emotional impact, and we wanted to capture that through a wide range of dynamics and tempo, as well as the soulful gospel feel.
“His Eye Is On The Sparrow”
This song is a favorite of many people, and I have always wanted to perform it with my friend Chip Atha. From brith, Chip had a problem with his vocal chords, and doctors believed he would never be able to speak. Miracles do happen, and Chip not only became able to speak, but was blessed with an amazing singing voice and a real passion for ministry. When you listen to this song, you are literally hearing a miracle.
“As The Deer”
This is a very popular contemporary praise song, and I’ve always thought it would sound wonderful with a violin playing the melody. I was lucky to meet Hanneke Cassel in college, and it’s a joy to have her playing on this song. Hanneke has a long list of accolades, including the National Scottish Fiddle Championship, and she has performed and taught across the U.S., Scotland, Sweden, China, New Zealand, France, England, and Austria.
“J’irai La Voir Un Jour”
I was first introduced to this song through Chrissy Almeida, who used to cantor at a French-speaking Catholic church. It’s a song of hope, and deals with the subject of seeing Mary in heaven one day. The lyrics loosely translate to: “I will see her one day, In heaven, in my garden. Yes I will see Mary, my joy and my love. Heaven, heaven, heaven, I will see her there one day. I will see her one day, I will join with the angels, To sing her praises and to form her court. Heaven, heaven, heaven, I will see her there one day."
“People Need The Lord”
I saw Dino Kartsonakis perform this song when I was very young, and the tune has always stuck with me. This is one of my favorite songs to play.
“Maria By Moonlight”
I had always wanted to learn Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata but never got around to it. One day, Chrissy and I were playing through “Ave Maria”, and when the interlude came around I accidentally landed on a minor chord. It instantly made me think of Moonlight Sonata, and I realized that the two pieces would fit together beautifully. If Schubert and Beethoven had ever jammed together, I suspect this arrangement would have been created 200 years ago.
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