Deborah Goppelt
harpist and pianist
Deborah's Notes
Arranging and Recording All I Need Is Jesus
When I first decided that I wanted to make an album of my own arrangements, I saw the project as a musical goal to attain. After a reality check during a stay in the emergency room, I began to realize what my life and album goal should be. My ambition was not to be the emptiness of musical accomplishment, but instead the blessing of others and the glorification of God through music.
Throughout the arranging and recording process, I have clearly seen God's hand on me. My natural inclination is towards reading music, not improvisation and playing by ear. Arranging has been difficult, to say the least, but God has been faithful, seeing me to the completion of each arrangement and the completion of my first album. I know that I do not have this talent in and of myself. This album is truly a miracle! Soli Deo gloria!
Throughout the arranging and recording process, I have clearly seen God's hand on me. My natural inclination is towards reading music, not improvisation and playing by ear. Arranging has been difficult, to say the least, but God has been faithful, seeing me to the completion of each arrangement and the completion of my first album. I know that I do not have this talent in and of myself. This album is truly a miracle! Soli Deo gloria!
The Dynamic Harp
Usually when people think of the harp, they associate it with angels and peaceful quiet music. The harp can be gentle, but it can also be energetic, majestic, and fiery! Special effects enable the harp to achieve many tone colors acoustically. Showing the harp's versatility and enhancing the message of each hymn are my two main objectives for the special effects in my arrangements. At the start of several of my harp arrangements, I wrote down words that corresponded with the overall feeling of the hymn's message. Then I looked at a list of special effects and matched the hymn message with various special effects. Through the arranging for this album, my understanding of this instrument's capabilities has greatly deepened. I have grown to love the harp so much!
Wonderful Peace
Inspiration for the Arrangement
In April of 2012 I was rushed to the emergency room. Facing the unknown was difficult. At first I was emotional, crying and wondering if my dreams would collapse. There in that hospital bed, I truly realized for the first time, that the life dreams and goals I had held as so valuable were not important. I still remember when my mom told me that I could die. After glancing up at the hospital ceiling, I told her I was ready. My faith and trust were in Jesus, so if I died I would go to heaven. God overwhelmed me there with the most phenomenal and indescribable peace.
Months later I was inspired by this experience to make a harp arrangement of the hymn "Wonderful Peace." At the beginning of the arrangement, the music is very calm and gentle, communicating the peace of God. At the end it climaxes triumphantly in the joy of that wonderful peace!
Months later I was inspired by this experience to make a harp arrangement of the hymn "Wonderful Peace." At the beginning of the arrangement, the music is very calm and gentle, communicating the peace of God. At the end it climaxes triumphantly in the joy of that wonderful peace!