When We All Get to Heaven Piano Arrangement (PDF file for download)
Very Advanced Level (Concert/Diploma/Professional Level)
Suitable for offertories, specials, concerts, recitals. Not for congregational accompaniment.
Verse 1 starts in an energetic way with rhythmic vitality, subdivision of the beat in an oom-pah LH accompaniment. Octaves, runs, and chords punctuate the melody.
Verse 2 modulates to the parallel minor (C# minor) to reflect the lyrics, but modulates back to major at the end to reflect "not a sigh." For the lyrics "But when travelling days are over," the range broadens to insinuate 'travelling,' but when it ends, the descending octave scales draw the range back to the middle of the piano, ready for the next verse. (The chorus is skipped for time-saving purposes)
Verse 3 broadens in tempo, as well as through the use of triplet figures. It is in a warm key of Db major again, and is more legato, to encourage the listener in the lyrics "let us then be true and faithful, trusting, serving every day." A brief LH melody with RH arpeggios and glissandi give "just one glimpse of Him in glory."
The chorus modulates to D major, and repeats most of verse 1's chorus ideas.
Verse 4 draws from the energetic ideas in verse 1, the marching feeling from the LH accompaniment for "Onward to the prize before us." It also draws the 6ths in verse 3, with the melody played by the RH thumb with the harmony above. The pianist will need to bring out the melodic line while keeping the legato sustained. A few flourishes lead to the triumphant final chorus in B major. Big fortissimo octaves, broken chords, arpeggios, and chords bring the arrangement to a glorious end.
