Peggy Duquesnel’s idea of this album is so simple and yet so brilliant that it instantly becomes timeless in its enjoyment. What the pianist/composer does is take Christian hymns and melds them with well known classical themes. Sometimes with a large orchestra, sometimes in solo piano with arrangements by a variety of minds including Alan Broadbent. There are also guest appearances by Ande Mayeux/org, Billy Martin/wwind, Steve Hall/p and Melissa Hasin/cl to keep things varied.
For example, the classic doxology of “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” is juxtaposed with Bach’s “2-Part Invention #13”, while “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” is held together by a Chopin Waltz. Bach’s “Prelude in C” guides “The Lord’s Prayer” with Duquesnel and Hasin, while the contemporary “You Are My Hiding Place” has two pianos balleting to “Swan Lake”.
The solo piano pieces are just as alluring, with “It Is Well With My Soul” holding hands with a Bach Invention. Whether you’re a faithful holder to the Nicene Creed or a hard hearted atheist, there is something here for you that need to hear, whether for inspiration or direction.