Stanton Lanier / Sky Whisper Sound, LLC

Scripture inspired piano to refresh your spirit

Solo Piano Blessings

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The new song Solo Piano Blessings is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services worldwide. You can also click below to listen as you read the inspiration behind this piece.

 

I composed Solo Piano Blessings as a reminder to count life’s blessings in the midst of the ups and downs. There are so many when I begin counting. The melodies are a heart felt expression of being grateful for life’s blessings. James 1:17 reminds us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” God is the true source of blessings, and I need to be prepared to notice them, as well as receive them with gratitude, peace, hope, and joy. 

Will you join me in pausing to reflect on your life’s blessings for about five minutes? As you listen begin thinking about what you can be thankful for in this present moment, and for this day. Then gradually expand to your life, faith, work, ministry, people, experiences, memories, and anything you can count as a blessing from God. He is a generous Giver and He is worthy of our thanksgiving and praise.

The piano melody, notes, and chords have plenty of space to help us slow down, and focus on being thankful. There is some tension between the major and minor chords, which is a picture of real life with its ups and downs. There are beautiful slow chords played with plenty of rest between them to help us breathe in God’s blessings, which prepares us to be a blessing to others. The melodies rise and fall, with a downward cascading pattern to symbolize God’s blessings – every good and perfect gift – coming down from heaven.

How does Solo Piano Blessings speak into your heart and story?

If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! (James 1:12, Passion Bible)

But those who set their gaze deeply into the perfecting law of liberty are fascinated by and respond to the truth they hear and are strengthened by it — they experience God’s blessings in all that they do! (James 1:25, Passion Bible)

Solo Piano Yearning

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The new song Solo Piano Yearning just released, and is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services worldwide. You can also click below to listen as you read the inspiration behind this piece.

 

Solo Piano Yearning is a vulnerable, real life musical expression for times of longing for God. Maybe He is close like James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you,” but I still want to know Him more deeply. Or maybe He seems very distant and my faith feels dry and parched like Psalm 143:6 “…I stretched out my hands to you (God), as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.”

Wherever you are in your life and faith journey, and whatever the circumstances you are facing, I hope the gentle pace of the solo piano, the “longing” minor harmonies and melodies, and “expectantly hopeful” sprinkling of major chords and notes all work together to help you experience God’s peace as you join me in yearning for Him. The artwork for Solo Piano Yearning features a faded image of the sheet music for my song Peace, which is a favorite of listeners and pianists around the world. The inspiration for Peace came from John 14:27, which is a beautiful answer directly from Jesus fore times when our hearts are longing for and yearning for Him, whether consciously or unconsciously. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

The opening melodies become song verses symbolizing a conversation with God and questions for Him. The long descending chords theme is the chorus answer from Him throughout the song, assuring us of His surrounding love as we trust in Him (Psalm 32:10). An additional fifteen second theme appears three times in the song from 1:42 to 1:57, repeated from 1:58 to 2:13, and finally from 3:25 to 3:40. The notes are literally singing the words and syllables found in Psalm 84:2 below, like a piano prayer from my heart to my Father in heaven. He fulfills all of my yearnings through Jesus, my Savior and Friend. My longing to be fully seen, known, loved, and forgiven is complete. Thank you Jesus for your generous grace, mercy, loving kindness, and patience in my life and faith.

How does “Solo Piano Yearning” speak to your heart?

“I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:27, NIV)

“O God, you are my God. I long for you. My soul thirsts for you, my flesh yearns for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1, NET)

“My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:2, NIV)

“My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:9, NIV)

Solo Piano Beyond

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The new song Solo Piano Beyond just released today. Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services worldwide, or click below to listen as you read the inspirational notes.

 

Solo Piano Beyond expresses several of God’s attributes He has been deepening in my heart. They both capture my attention, and at the same time are beyond my full comprehension. God is big. Life is short. God gives me His peace and hope through His presence with me, and His promises in His Word. He fills me with a sense of awe and wonder through His creation, as well as His faithfulness in my life. My faith in Jesus as God’s son, the Savior of the world, and my Friend, continues to grow as He proves Himself true in my journey. He promises we can know for certain we have eternal life when we ask His forgiveness, and put our trust in Him (1 John 5:13).

The musical notes and themes have all these thoughts and more under the surface. The melodies are a spiritual and reflective exploration to see what this may sound like. This gives space and freedom for every listener to experience this piece in a way that is very personal and specific to them. To think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable in this life and beyond. My hope is for the music to offer you a deeper sense of peace, hope, beauty, and wonder wherever you may be, and whatever circumstances you are facing. May the Lord lift your spirit as you listen for Him and worship Him through Solo Piano Beyond.

How does Solo Piano Beyond inspire or encourage you?

My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. (1 John 5:13, MSG)

Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20, NET)

Look around you: Everything you see is God’s—the heavens above and beyond, the Earth, and everything on it. (Deuteronomy 10:14, MSG)

Bring your full tithe to the Temple treasury so there will be ample provisions in my Temple. Test me in this and see if I don’t open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond your wildest dreams. (Malachi 3:8-11, MSG)

Mighty God! Far beyond our reach! Unsurpassable in power and justice! It’s unthinkable that he’d treat anyone unfairly. So bow to him in deep reverence, one and all! If you’re wise, you’ll most certainly worship him. (Job 37:23-24, MSG)

I tested everything in my search for wisdom. I set out to be wise, but it was beyond me, far beyond me, and deep—oh so deep! Does anyone ever find it? I concentrated with all my might, studying and exploring and seeking wisdom—the meaning of life. (Ecclesiastes 7:23-25, MSG)

Waiting Walking Running

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Today is release day for Waiting Walking Running. Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services worldwide, or click below to listen as you read some of the story behind this new song…

 

As I reflected on this idea, I found a gorgeous sequence of chords played by long orchestra strings, and then a melody was revealed which became the “resting theme” performed by the English horn and flute, with gentle piano chords in the background. Next, the “walking theme” picks up the tempo slightly with some rhythmic cello to represent taking steps of faith as we slowly begin obeying what God wants us to do. Sometimes God is running (moving quickly) and I need to keep up. This is the “running theme” with all instruments playing – piano, orchestra, choir, and percussion. The flute is featured throughout the piece, and represents the Holy Spirit being present with us in times of waiting, walking, and running by faith. The order of the song themes or musical motifs became 1) waiting, 2) walking, 3) running, 4) waiting, 5) running. The more we pursue God and experience His faithfulness, the more we find ourselves in the midst of life events and circumstances only He could have orchestrated, as we wait, walk, and run with Him.

Waiting, walking, and running each unfold in God’s time, and are part of the freedom we experience in Christ when we surrender, listen for His voice, and obey. This is important because I don’t want to walk or run ahead of God by presuming I know the answers or by doing what seems right. The waiting is crucial because in God’s time, He reveals his plans and next steps to me, one at a time. Even as He reveals more I need to keep walking unless and until He is moving fast enough that I need to run. Ultimately, all three – waiting, walking, and running – bring me freedom. By faith I trust God is in control, and I can live life fully with a sense of hunger and urgency. This fills my heart with deep joy. Even as I was majoring in chemistry many years ago, God was preparing me and shaping me in the “waiting” and “walking” of six hour laboratory experiments from 12pm to 6pm. When God takes our life story and leads us to a place of surrender and dependence on Him, He begins to reveal how He works all things together for good to those who love Him, and who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

How does Waiting, Walking, Running speak to you?

Isaiah 40:31 > “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (ESV)

Psalm 130:5 > “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” (NIV)

Psalm 119:45 > “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (NIV)

Psalm 119:32 > “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free!” (NIV)

I Lie Down and Sleep

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The new song I Lie Down and Sleep just released today! Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services, or click below to listen as you read the inspirational notes below…

 

When I was composing Solo Piano Sleep (released March 30, 2023) I was inspired to create a second version with other instruments accompanying the piano score. The song became I Lie Down and Sleep with piano, orchestral strings, solo cello, solo French horn, and alto choir. My heart’s desire was to really slow down the pace, to pause, to reflect, to pursue a moment of deep peace and rest, and even to help with sleeping. Brahms’ Lullaby is such a world renowned piece of classical music associated with sleeping, I decided to reference it very gently on the piano, in a small way near the beginning and ending. This lullaby has been sung by parents to so many babies, it is likely to be familiar to you as well. Perhaps it even takes you back to childhood, when sleep may have come easier for you. Or, maybe sleep has always come easy for you, even as an adult. A good night’s rest is definitely one of life’s blessings.

After the introductory section, the piano chorus melody is singing the words “I lie down and sleep” over and over, inspired by Psalm 3:5. The cello and French horn join in and sing this phrase as well, sometimes with the chorus melody notes, and sometimes with harmony. The orchestral strings and alto choir add harmony notes and chords throughout. Then a new melody evolves with plenty of space between the piano notes, with soothing rolling left hand chords inviting us into deeper rest. The cello and horn play melody and harmony over the piano, singing the phrase a few more times.  This is followed by a third piano melody singing “I lie down and sleep” in a new way as we hear the cello sing the original chorus melody notes. All of these themes work together to offer listeners God’s peace and rest in a noisy and hurried world. And hopefully this sense of eternal peace from the Lord carries with us into each new day, as we trust Him to sustain us, protect us, and bless us in ways only He can.

How does I Lie Down and Sleep speak to you?

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. (Psalm 3:5)

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. (Psalm 127:2)

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24)

Solo Piano Sleep

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The new song Solo Piano Sleep just released today! Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services, or click below to listen as you read the inspirational notes below…

 

As I composed Solo Piano Sleep my heart’s desire was to really slow down the pace, to pause, to reflect, to pursue a moment of deep peace and rest, and even to help with sleeping. Brahms’ Lullaby is such a world renowned piece of classical music associated with sleeping, I decided to reference it very gently, in a small way near the beginning and ending. This lullaby has been sung by parents to so many babies, it is likely to be familiar to you as well. Perhaps it even takes you back to childhood, when sleep may have come easier for you. Or, maybe sleep has always come easy for you, even as an adult. A good night’s rest is definitely one of life’s blessings.

The main piano melody is singing the words “I lie down and sleep” over and over, inspired by Psalm 3:5. Then a new melody evolves with plenty of space between the notes, and gentle rolling left hand chords, inviting us into deeper rest. This is followed by a third melody singing “I lie down and sleep” in a new way. All of these musical themes work together to offer listeners God’s peace and rest in a noisy and hurried world. And hopefully this sense of eternal peace from the Lord carries with us into each new day, as we trust Him to sustain us, protect us, and bless us in ways only He can.

How does Solo Piano Sleep sing over your life today?

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. (Psalm 3:5)

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. (Psalm 127:2)

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24)

Solo Piano Wonder

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Today is release day for Solo Piano Wonder. You can stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services, or click below to listen as you read the inspiration behind the song…

 

Solo Piano Wonder is a peaceful, refreshing melody gently giving space to slow down and nurture our childlike faith. The uplifting sounds invite us to see the wonder all around us, and to stand in awe for a moment. I need to remember to pause and notice the beauty in my surroundings, God’s creation, as well as the beauty in people, who are all made in God’s image. If I can see things with the wonder and awe of a young child, my soul is nourished and refreshed with greater peace, hope, and joy. Maybe the music will take you back to some beautiful childhood memories, such as a favorite place or person, your favorite activity, or times when you had your greatest sense of awe and wonder. Maybe the music will remind you of a moment of wonder from yesterday, or even today.

This song takes us on a musical journey with a sense of wandering in a good way, experiencing peace and delight as we treasure the gift of life and watch life’s moments unfold. The primary melody and secondary melodies compliment one another with a sense of a question and an answer. This illustrates the ebb and flow of walking with God as we notice Him here, there, and everywhere with childlike faith. Sometimes I have questions, wondering why something happened. Whether answers come quickly and clearly, or take some time, or even remain a mystery, I can choose to refocus my heart from a sense of wondering to a sense of wonder. Jesus loved when the little children came and sat with him, listening to His voice, and receiving His love and grace with awe and wonder. I can remember times long ago as a boy, swaying in the breeze at the top of a tall tree, or feeling the wind on my face riding my bicycle. I can remember yesterday, when I noticed the blooming flower buds, or spoke encouraging words to a store cashier. I can remember today, giving thanks to God for waking me up this morning. This is the spirit of wonder I want to nourish in my heart and soul.

How does Solo Piano Wonder speak to you?

“The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” > Psalm 65:8 (NIV)

“…to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever.” > Psalm 136:4 (ESV)

“Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.” > Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG)

“As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.” > Mark 9:15 (NIV)

Solo Piano Unheard

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Solo Piano Unheard released February 16, 2023. Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services, or click below to listen as you read why and how I composed it. Wishing you God’s grace and peace today… 

 

Solo Piano Unheard is about taking time to pause…to listen for, look for, notice, and receive hope and beauty in the midst of life’s tension and mystery. The long rings of the piano strings, the gentle melodies, and the carefully selected harmonies interweave my hopeful certainty with my fears and doubts. I wanted the strings to ring long as a representation of life’s “unheard” moments when we are listening for God’s voice, but we wonder if He is hearing us. I have found He is always right there with me and for me, even it doesn’t feel like it. In His time, and in a very personal way, He lets me know He sees me, knows me, and loves me in the midst of whatever I am going through.

There is something about solo piano that can be so breathtaking, so provocative, and so compelling. This song has unique pauses and rhythms creating a back forth conversation between the notes and the silence, between my questioning and God’s answering. The tempo picks up in the middle, but then slows down again, illustrating the pacing and variety each day brings as I seek to live out my faith whether my cup is full, empty, or somewhere in between. The Scripture verse containing the title word “unheard” is found in Isaiah 52, which speaks to Jesus carrying our pains and Him suffering on our behalf, in order that we may be saved by His grace when we listen, hear, and believe.

How does Solo Piano Unheard sing over your life today?

For what was unheard of they’ll see with their own eyes, what was unthinkable they’ll have right before them. > Isaiah 52:15 (MSG)

For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand. > Isaiah 52:15 (NIV)

This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. > Matthew 13:13-14 (NIV)

That’s why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward a welcome awakening. In their present state they can stare till doomsday and not see it, listen till they’re blue in the face and not get it. I don’t want Isaiah’s forecast repeated all over again: Your ears are open but you don’t hear a thing. Your eyes are awake but you don’t see a thing. > Matthew 13:13-14 (MSG)

…faith comes from hearing  the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. > Romans 10:17 (NIV)

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. > Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

Solo Piano Refuge

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Solo Piano Refuge is my first new song release of 2023. Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services, or click below to listen as you read why and how I composed it. Grace and peace to you… 

 

When I wanted to quit lessons in the 7th grade, I didn’t realize the piano was becoming a refuge in my life. My dream at the time was to be a professional basketball player, and I thought I needed to focus on sports instead of taking music lessons. My parents convinced me to continue piano until the end of the school year, then we would decide over the summer. By the time 8th grade began I had discovered the piano held a special place in my heart and life. At that time I used the word “retreat” to describe the enjoyment of playing, but the word “refuge” is a better term. Refuge also means fortress, haven, hiding place, protection, retreat, sanctuary, shelter, and stronghold. The piano has been all these things and more, since composing my first song at age fourteen, completing twelve years of lessons, and, after many years of growing in surrender, God calling me to found Music to Light the World and become a full-time pianist and composer in 2004.

It’s hard to believe I have been “touching the keys” for over fifty years now. Solo Piano Refuge is rooted in deep places from my life, faith, and music journey. The long, rich chords are symbols of God’s ever presence, His calm strength, and Him being my Refuge, the ultimate Refuge. The delicate melodies in between are gentle expressions of my trusting Him, my dancing with Him, and my knowing His peace, hope, and beauty in my life. There are phrases of piano notes singing “The Lord is my refuge, my refuge, my refuge” many times throughout the piece. I hope this song will help you still your heart and mind, and that it refreshes you as you lean into God being your refuge as well. Please see the five Psalms below which speak to this, and join me in reading them as prayers back to God. I have edited the wording to make them personal and intimate with Him…

Psalm 46:1  >  God, you are my refuge and strength, my ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 34:8  >  Lord, I taste and see that You are good. I am blessed as one who takes refuge in You.

Psalm 5:11  >  Father, I am glad because I take refuge in You. I sing joy forever. You spread your protection over me. I love Your name and I rejoice in You!

Psalm 73:28  >  Father, it is so good to be near to You. You, my sovereign Lord, are my refuge. I will tell of all Your deeds. 

Psalm 59:16  >  I will sing of Your strength, and I will sing of Your love, for You are my fortress, my refuge at all times.

How does Solo Piano Refuge sing to your heart today?

I Saw Three Ships

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Created with JOY for your holiday season, today is release day for my unique arrangement of I Saw Three Ships. You can stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, YouTube, and all platforms, or click below to listen as you read about this song.

 

The 17th century melody I Saw Three Ships is a familiar favorite each holiday season as we give thanks and prepare our hearts for Christmas. This piece came close, but did not make it onto my two Christmas albums December Peace (2009) and December Peace II (2019), even though these projects feature many popular hymns and carols. Christmas 2022 became the time for me to take on the challenge of composing and creating a one-of-a-kind arrangement of I Saw Three Ships. My heart’s desire was to express the Peace, Hope, and Joy we find in Christmas and Jesus our Savior. I hope you enjoy listening and reading the musical inspiration and song lyrics below.

I wanted to create a surprise with the introduction, something unexpected. Perhaps this is symbolic of the King and Creator of the universe being born in a manger. The opening minute features peaceful sonic undertones and alto choir representing God’s presence, with violins and cellos playing beautiful expressions within the key signature scale. The choir swells and brings us to the first playing of the familiar eight measure tune, written over three hundred years ago. The first pass is slow, followed by a second pass with medium tempo. Both are in 4/4 time which is not the traditional time signature. This opening prepares us for the expected meter, which can be in 3/4 or 6/8 time. I chose 6/8 to enhance the musical dance so to speak, and we hear this twice with increasing joy from the piano, strings, and choir. To help us pause and reflect, this is followed by a restful section with original piano, strings, clarinet, and French horn. Then the familiar tune returns and repeats with several joy filled combinations of instruments, before slowing down and returning to the introductory slow tempo, which helps us to reflect on the peace and hope we have in Christ at Christmas time, and for eternity.

Thank you for listening and reading, and I hope this piece “speaks” into your life and faith story! Grace and Peace, Stanton

I SAW THREE SHIPS (17th Century)

I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas day, on Christmas day; I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas day, on Christmas day? And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas day in the morning?

Our Saviour Christ and his lady, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; Our Saviour Christ and his lady, On Christmas day in the morning.

Pray whither sailed those ships all three, On Christmas day, on Christmas day? Pray whither sailed those ships all three, On Christmas day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; O they sailed into Bethlehem, On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the Souls on Earth shall sing, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; And all the Souls on Earth shall sing, On Christmas day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice amain, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; Then let us all rejoice amain, On Christmas day in the morning.