Depending on your faith tradition, Transfiguration Sunday can be celebrated at different times during the year: on the Sunday before Lent starts, on the second Sunday of Lent, or in August. The lectionary readings for Transfiguration Sunday are both fantastical and challenging but it’s a great time to break out some uplifting sheet music. So here are six piano arrangement ideas to celebrate this exciting Sunday!
Be Thou My Vision
Echoing the idea of vision found in the Gospel reading for Transfiguration Sunday, this gentle piano arrangement can enhance prayerful moments. It’s also a nice selection to have for the weeks in Lent as well as for weddings, funerals, and memorial services.
Christ the King Medley
Transfiguration Sunday turns our focus to Christ’s kingship and this piano medley is all about celebrating Christ’s majesty. Ideal as a prelude, offertory, or postlude, it combines four very regal hymns – Crown Him with Many Crowns (Diademata), Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun (Duke Street), All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (Coronation), and O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing (Azmon).
Fairest Lord Jesus (Beautiful Savior)
Another majestic piano arrangement, this setting of hymn tune Schönster Herr Jesu is a striking prelude, offertory, or postlude for more advanced pianists. It has a slightly tricky middle section that borrows ideas from Liszt’s Liebesträume but it can truly make an impression – and it’s handy for weddings and recitals, too.
O Worship the King with Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Looking for something a little zestier for Transfiguration Sunday? This spirited, syncopated piano medley might be the ticket. Combining hymn tunes Hanover and St. Denio, it’s quick to prepare and fun to play – especially as a postlude!
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (a.k.a. Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness)
Another piano arrangement with snappy syncopation that can excite listeners and its alternate text, Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness, fits well with Transfiguration Sunday themes. Easier than it sounds and enjoyable to play, this setting makes a great prelude, offertory or postlude.
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven (a.k.a. Alleluia! Song of Gladness)
Ascending key signatures in this piano arrangement of hymn tune Lauda Anima can really raise listeners’ spirits heavenward. It’s alternate text Alleluia! Song of Gladness is a traditional favorite for the Sunday before Lent to bid farewell to using the word “alleluia”.
