“The River” by Larry Karpenko transcends typical song boundaries to preserve a tranquil musical experience. During his early college years, Larry composed a song about the Shenandoah River which leads us to a peaceful place where elements of nature merge with spiritual faith. The soft sounds of piano and harp create a welcoming space for listeners to rest their thoughts while imagining themselves next to a tranquil stream. His voice embodies sincerity which speaks directly to people’s desire for peace and reassurance. The musical progression leads to a spiritual revelation as the lyric “the river that runs through my heart” exposes a profound emotional and divine connection that flows steadily yet silently.
The second verse reinforces this concept by drawing a parallel between the river and God’s love which remains unchanging yet dynamic and perpetually available. It’s a simple but powerful image. Then comes the most striking moment: the addition of a choir. The choir’s voices elevate the song to prayer-like heights rather than dominating it. The changeover to the well-known hymn “Shall We Gather at the River” feels seamless as though it brings you back to forgotten knowledge. The brass and percussion sections emphasize joy and celebration through deep emotional expression instead of flashy performance. The song ends with gentle handbell sounds that resemble distant church bells and evoke feelings of finality and optimism. The song concludes with final harp notes that return you to silence and complete the piece with the same peace that it started.
The song expresses intimate personal feelings that many listeners will find meaningful. Drawing inspiration from musicians such as Steven Curtis Chapman, Larry crafts musical spaces that allow listeners to experience reflection and connection. “The River” represents Larry’s debut orchestral work which was recorded at Kreation Records and received support from Charles Reid and Adriana Perera. The live premiere on May 17, 2025 will deliver an emotionally powerful performance. “The River” creates an experience that moves beyond your ears and settles deep within your heart.
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