Chris Rice - The Living Room Sessions

It is rare to find a piano book in which you actually like most of the songs, but in this one I not only like all of the songs, I also like all of the arrangements! For my abilities, the arrangements were very challenging, but worth the effort and they helped me improve my piano skills. You can also buy the CD with Chris Rice playing the songs, and then you'll really know if you are playing them the way he meant them to sound. I wish the Christmas version was back in print!

I have loved the CD, "Living Room" sessions for years. Imagine my pleasure when I discovered there was a piano book of Chris Rice's beautiful arrangements! I ordered it right away! It's one of the best piano books I have. I love the arrangements because they are unique and challenging. A lot of books with instrumental hymn arrangements are too simplistic, empty, and repetitive. For this book, you'll need a good understanding of various time signatures and key changes, but any accomplished pianist will find the songs easy to master with a little practice. I bought this book because I was looking for beautiful arrangements to play as filler before a wedding, and I couldn't be happier with my choice. This book has vaulted to the top of my collection!

I love all the arrangements in this book; they are very enjoyable and relaxing to play. He does some neat things with key signature changes and rhythms so while all the songs are very pretty and flowing they are not too similar and it doesn't get boring. I was surprised to see it was all traditional hymns and none of his own music. Note for church musicians: the pieces are all fairly lengthy, probably too long for special music but perfect for communion or before the service.

this book is amazing. it's labeled "medium difficulty" for solo piano. the songs included are: All Creatures Of Our God and King * Be Still My Soul * The Church's One Foundation * Come, Thou Fount Of Every blessing * Fairest Lord Jesus * For The Beauty Of The Earth * Great Is Thy Faithfulness * How Great Thou Art * Jesus, What A Friend Fro Sinners * Like A River Glorious * Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us * This Is My Father's Word. I've been searching high and low for some really nice, elegant piano hymns and this is just the book i was looking for. My husband actually thought that me and my sisters were doing duets, that's how gorgeous the music is, and it's not very difficult that you have to spend months trying to figure it out! I can't wait to show off these songs, they are perfect.

I bought this gift for my husband for his birthday. He's a big Chris Rice fan and was looking for some music to noodle around with on the piano. The music isn't terribly difficult (which can be nice because you don't always want to have to practice to be able to play a song, so it's nice for relaxed playing). I personally wish it came with words, but then again the CD it's from doesn't have words. I just pull out a hymnal while he plays. For people more formally taught for piano, my husband commented that some of the writing can be awkward - guessing that it's been a while since Chris Rice has had formal training with the piano - as there are some less traditional parts (in terms of music arrangement and not that the hymn is "modernized"). Just an FYI if it matters to anyone. Over all, my husband likes the book and is glad to have some music to noodle with.

I love listening to Chris Rice's piano music, so I was very excited to get this book. Most of the music is in the intermediate range of difficulty. So far I've learned to play "All Creatures of Our God and King," "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," and "For the Beauty of the Earth." They're all beautiful arrangements, and I'm looking forward to learning and mastering more of the great pieces in this book. I would definitely recommend buying this piano music!

I love all the music in this book. I find that others love this music too. All the hymns can take you back to a certain place in time. I owned one copy of this book - and took it to a camp and left it out for others to play. For the three weeks I was there, you could hear person after person sit down to play out of this book. The book is now trashed and falling apart. Bought another copy of this book - and play it in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Older people stand outside in the halls and are moved to tears over this music. My second copy is starting to fall apart. I've gone and bought 2 more copies. This book is one I never want to be without.

This is definitely a great book to add to the arsenal. I am early to moderate advanced and I love this because it is easy to pick up and play with minimal practice but the arrangements are lovely and flowing. Highly recommended.

The notation is clear and the pieces are beautiful to play. They are perfect for an offertory, preludes, etc., as they are interesting and beautiful but not overly dramatic and loud. I love playing through this book.

excellent!

Ich spiele sehr gerne aus diesem Heft... Es hat was sehr meditatives!!! Einfach zu empfehlen! Macht Lust auf mehr! Vielen Dank

Most beautiful arrangements ever!! Wish Chris Rice had more books like this for purchase! Easy to play for advanced pianist.

Beautiful arrangements! Easy enough to pick up and play but sound difficult. Just wish the Chris Rice Christmas Collection was still available!