Skilled arrangers put new spin on favorite inspirational music

The art of arranging is a magical part of music. In the hands of a skilled arranger, familiar songs can take on exciting new dimensions while still remaining true to their roots. And that's exactly what happens in these two CDs:

VARIOUS ARTISTS, "Janice Kapp Perry's Celtic Variations," arranged by Greg Hansen, Prime Recordings.

DAVID GLEN HATCH, "The Master's Touch, arranged by Marden Pond, Covenant.

• Celtic music, while popular year-round, seems to receive added attention in March, as the world becomes Irish-for-a-day in honor of St. Patrick. "Celtic Variations" is a perfect way to pay that homage.

Greg Hansen has taken 12 of Janice Kapp Perry's songs and given them an exciting new Celtic instrumental sound. Titles include "Jesus' Love Is Like a River," "How Great Shall Be Your Joy," "This I Believe," "God Counts Every Tear" and "Army of Helaman" and others — a mix of Perry's "best-known melodies and some which, while maybe not quite as well-known, seemed perfectly suited to a Celtic treatment." The results are enchanting.

Talented local musicians perform the numbers using a wide variety of folk and other instruments. Tammy Simister Robinson adds some ethereal vocals. There's a lot of variety, including both toe-tapping energy and soft, lyrical reflection. Give the team high marks both for conception and for follow-through.

• Pianist David Glen Hatch and arranger Marden Pond take you on a musical journey through history with "The Master's Touch," a collection of familiar hymns arranged in the styles of the great masters. For example, "Rejoice, the Lord Is King" takes on the flavor of Mozart, while "How Firm a Foundation" pays homage to Haydn and "Teach Me to Walk in the Light of His Love" follows the style of Brahms.

The distinctive styles of Grieg, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, Bach, Handel and more — 18 composers in all — are highlighted through other well-known hymns. Liner notes provide brief biographies, which add to the historical journey.

Pond is currently the conductor of the Nachtmusik Chamber Orchestra, which specializes in 18th-century music, so these treatments are a natural extension of that. Hatch, who has received acclaim for his classical work as well as for his interpretations of patriotic songs and hymns, brings his impeccable technique and flair to the project, capturing the essence of each style, while also showing reverence for the music.

This would be a great way to introduce people unfamiliar with classical music to various composers, while those familiar with the composers will enjoy these stylish new interpretations.

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E-mail: carma@desnews.com