{A&E} Listen to This: Josh Wright

Concert pianist Josh Wright is getting ready to offer a new look at classic Christian hymns.

If you haven’t heard of Josh Wright yet, it’s time to listen up. His performances of classic songs are astounding, but this talented young concert pianist has also started work on a CD of hymn arrangements—nothing new, I know, but he manages to bring something new to the game.

Listen (and watch) his arrangement of “All Creatures of Our God and King.” I challenge you not to get a little misty eyed (though pictures of cute otters and sprawling landscapes always catch my breath a little):


Not only does he compose beautiful arrangements of hymns alone, but he has taken a fresh look at hymns by combining them with classical piano pieces. I scoured the internet looking for some examples, but these tracks are not yet available online. Still, Wright has identified his favorite as a combination between “Clair de Lune” and “O Stor Gud/How Great Thou Art.” I don't know about you, but I’ll be watching for that one. 

To get a taste, check out this video of him performing “Clair de Lune”:

For all you pianists out there, his video site, joshwrighttv.com, also has various technique and famous song tips.

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Kate Ensign-Lewis is the Associate Editor at LDS Living. She loves cooking in her tiny kitchen, eating great new foods with her husband, and finding good entertainment and art. She likes (virgin) pina coladas, but does not like getting caught in the rain.