Raise A Hallelujah - Bethel Music

While "Raise A Hallelujah" is accessible, it does present several performance challenges that need attention. The prominent difficulties include:

• Hand Coordination (Measures 12-20): The right hand employs rapid melodic lines that need to be played with clarity while the left hand maintains a steady bass line. This requires strong hand independence.

• Dynamic Control (Measures 25-32): The score demands various dynamics that shift quickly, requiring the performer to maintain balance between the melodic and harmonic lines while adjusting volume appropriately.

• Ornamentation (Measures 28-32): Executing the decorative notes demands precision and agility, which could be challenging for intermediate players.

To effectively tackle the identified difficulties, the following practice strategies are suggested:

• Hand Independence: When working on measures 12-20, practice the left hand separately, first ensuring it maintains a steady rhythm before adding the right hand. Start at a slower tempo to build confidence, then gradually increase the speed.

• Dynamic Exercises: For dynamic control in measures 25-32, practice playing through these measures while focusing on one dynamic level at a time. Once each note is confidently played, introduce gradual shifts in volume. Utilize the piano dynamic marking to guide your expressiveness.

"Raise A Hallelujah," composed by Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser, Molly Skaggs, and Jake Stevens, is a contemporary piece arranged for piano by Phillip Keveren. This joyful and uplifting hymn is primarily set in D Major and maintains a 4/4 time signature with a moderate tempo of 88 BPM.

The most striking feature of this score is its harmonic structure and rhythmic progression. The use of repetitive chord progressions, notably focusing on the tonic (I - D), subdominant (IV - G), and dominant (V - A) plays a crucial role in establishing the piece’s uplifting character. For instance, the progression is prominently featured in the first 16 measures, where each measure outlines the base chords with embellishments.

The rhythm is characterized by a blend of quarter notes and eighth notes, which creates a buoyant feel throughout. Specific rhythmic motifs appear in measures 8-12, where quick successions of eighth notes bring an engaging dynamism to the performance.

Additionally, the piece contains notable melodic variations and ornamentations. Use of passing tones and neighboring tones, particularly in measures 28-32, adds richness to the melodic contour and creates contrast between phrases.

Moreover, the left hand incorporates a pedal bass line, which reinforces the harmonic foundation and contributes to the overall texture of the piece. This can be observed heavily in measures 10-25, where the repeated bass notes create a solid ground for the melody to soar above.

Raise A Hallelujah

• Artist
  Bethel Music
• Number of imitations:
  121
• Genre
  Bethel Music
• Key
  D Major
• Tempo
  88
• Pages
  4
• Notation
  Bethel Music
• Compose
  Words and Music by JONATHAN DAVID HELSER, MELISSA HELSER, MOLLY SKAGGS and JAKE STEVENS Arranged by Phillip Keveren
• Introduction
  Raise A Hallelujah' - Words and Music by JONATHAN DAVID HELSER, MELISSA HELSER, MOLLY SKAGGS and JAKE STEVENS Arranged by Phillip Keveren, This music is undefined, arr. by Bethel Music, Suitable for all students to learn