There is a special kind of magic that happens when music brings two people together for the first time—especially when the message of that music is as profound as the Atonement of Jesus Christ and everything he has done for us!
I am excited to share my latest video with you: a vocal, piano, and cello arrangement of the new LDS hymn, “Bread of Life, Living Water” (#1008 in the new Hymns—For Home and Church collection).
The Story Behind the Song
This beautiful hymn was both written and composed by Annette W. Dickman. She wrote the lyrics while reflecting on the deep, personal significance of the sacrament. Annette shares that throughout her life, she has received inspiration leading up to the creation of this song, including one particularly tender time while sitting at the bedside of her young son in the hospital. The lyrics focus on moving from “whole to holy”—a reminder that we don’t have to be perfect to come to the Lord; we come to be made whole through Him.
Introducing Ashlynn Horne
I am thrilled to introduce you to Ashlynn Horne. She is a kind, thoughtful, and skilled 18-year-old cellist. I first met her when I was asked to sing at her ward’s Christmas party last December in Kaysville, Utah. She played a beautiful cello solo, with no accompaniment during the program. Afterward, I asked her if she would like to collaborate on a project sometime. I love her musicality and spirit. Incredibly, the day we recorded and filmed this video was the first time we ever played the song together in person! Watching her bring such grace to the cello lines was beautiful to behold. 😀
The Arrangement
When I first heard this hymn, I was so impressed with the melody, lyrics, and the power behind it. From the moment it was introduced and we sang it in Sacrament meeting, I absolutely loved it. Knowing I was going to work with Ashlynn on an arrangement, and knowing I wanted to do one of the new hymns, I gave her two options. She liked this one better and so did I! I set to work creating a duet where the cello acts as a second voice, weaving in and out of the vocal melody. My goal for this arrangement was to capture both the personal and powerful nature of Christ’s atonement.
Bringing the Vision to Life
For the visuals, we wanted the setting to match the sacred nature of the song. We filmed with my new digital grand piano (I am loving it!), interspersed with high-quality nature footage of mountains, sunsets, and water to reinforce the hymn’s elemental themes. (Thank you to Steve Pierce for the generous donations of nature images and footage!)
I hope this arrangement helps you feel the peace and healing power of the “Bread of Life” in your own life. You can find the Free Sheet Music for this arrangement here: http://marileekaymusic.com/sheet-music/
Watch the full video below and let me know in the comments—how has this new hymn touched your heart?
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*Reach out if you would like the sheet music for any of the arrangements I don’t have sheet music for yet and I will transcribe and post them. You can find the songs I already have sheet music for here: http://marileekaymusic.com/sheet-music/
Marilee Kay is a Christian Latter Day Saint singer/songwriter/arranger who lives in Layton, Utah. She and her husband have had four children. Two of their children have passed away from GM1 Gangliosidosis. Their youngest son is currently living with the condition. She has a background in music, stage performance, teaching and currently writes & arranges hymns and songs that align with the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
