This I Know - Ageless Hymns of Faith by Jeff Bjorck: Solo Piano Songbook (Paperback)

NOTE: This paperback book is NOT spiral-bound.

Review by Kathy Parsons of Mainlypiano.com

This I Know is the complete songbook for Jeff Bjorck's 2008 CD release by the same name, also] now available as a download. All fifteen of Bjorck's hymn arrangements from the album are included, and all are at an upper-intermediate/early advanced playing level. These arrangements are perfect for church musicians who would like solo piano hymn arrangements that don't sound like they are straight from a hymnal. They are also excellent for advancing piano students and anyone who would like to play more intricate and expressive versions of favorite hymns. Timing is not overly complex and there are no reaches of more than an octave. Pedaling is indicated on most of the songs, and expression is clear and easy to read.

Jeff Bjorck has made it a tradition to begin and end his recordings of mostly original music with hymns, and then he released This I Know, which is all hymns. A professor at Fuller Theological Seminary in Southern California, Bjorck is exceptionally knowledgeable about many traditional hymns and their histories, and his arrangements are respectful of the originals while updating them and giving them a personal touch.... Recommended

All Creatures of Our God and King - Key of F (1 flat)/ C (0 sharps or flats)/ D (2 sharps) - 7 pages
Be Still My Soul - Key of F (1 flat)/ D (2 sharps) - 7 pages
Be Thou My Vision - Key of C (0 sharps or flats)/ G (1 sharp) - 4 pages
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing - Key of C (0 sharps or flats)/ F (1 flat) - 7 pages
Day By Day - Key of F (1 flat)/ G (1 sharp)/ C (0 sharps or flats) - 7 pages
Fairest Lord Jesus - Key of G (1 sharp) - 5 pages
Give To the Winds Thy Fears - Key of G ( 1sharp)/ C (0 sharps or flats) - 7 pages
Holy, Holy, Holy - Key of C (0 sharps or flats)/ F (1 flat) - 7 pages
It Is Well With My Soul - Key of G (1 sharp)/ C (0 sharps or flats)/F (1 flat) - 4 pages
Jerusalem - Key of C - 6 pages
Jesus Loves Me - Key of Bb (2 flats) - 1 page
O, The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus - Key of G minor (2 flats) - 6 pages
Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling - Key of G (1 sharp) - 3 pages
'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus - Key of Bb (2 flats)/ C (0 sharps or flats) - 5 pages
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - Key of Bb (2 flats)/G (1 sharp)/A (3 sharps)/C (0 sharps or flats) - 5 pages


Author: Jeff Bjorck
ISBN-10: 154051174X
ISBN-13: 9781540511744
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Language: English
Published: 12/02/2016
Pages: 90
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.51lbs
Size: 11.00h x 8.50w x 0.19d

About the Author

As an artist, Jeff Bjorck believes music in its purest form is sometimes the closest thing to art. Not surprisingly, his solo acoustic piano compositions paint a gallery of musical images suitable for framing. These original works interweave delicacy with intensity, combine musical notes with the space between them, and create moving pictures that move the emotions. Dr. Bjorck is somewhat of an expert on emotions. As a clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor at Fuller Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology, his multifaceted vocation typifies his ongoing passion for a Renaissance man's approach to life.

Jeff's nontraditional method of composition has remained basically the same during the past forty-five years. He sits at the piano, plays spontaneously from the heart, and stops to develop any musical themes that surprise him. He confesses, "Sometimes I feel like a third party, listening to the whole process as an interested observer!"

To Jeff, nature embodies God's ultimate artistic creativity and is frequently the subject of his portraits. Born to two artists, he began creating music at ten years old. He remarks, "My faith and relationship with Jesus Christ provide vision and give my life its meaning. My creativity merely imitates the Creator."

He describes his compositions as "quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world." Listeners apparently agree. His music has provided reassuring focus for mothers in delivery, peaceful rest when insomnia comes knocking, and elegant ambiance at intimate wedding receptions and dinner parties. Jeff's music has also provided calming care to thousands of hospitalized children across the country. A CD containing eight of his most relaxing compositions was included in 75,000 Guideposts for Kids Comfort Kits distributed by Guideposts Outreach. He remarks, "It is my hope that I can bring all my listeners emotional music with a classical feel that lifts them from the rat race and gently sets them down in a restful place, as far away from everyday chaos as possible."

Jeff currently has six CDs available, all produced on his independent Pure Piano Music label (BMI). When not working or enjoying time with his wife, Sharon, Jeff occasionally likes scaring their two cats with his clarinet renditions of '30s and '40s big band tunes. He also loves to seek creative inspiration for new music by hang gliding high above the mountains of Southern California.