Paul Cardall

Paul CardallFour-time billboard chart pianist

Born April 24, 1973.Was born with congenital heart disease.8-10, of every 1,00 children are born with this disease.He would die without a heart transplant.

Paul Cardall was born April 24, 1973. Cardall is a very optimistic, happy, energetic person despite what is happening to him. 8-10, of every 1,000 children, are born with Congenital Heart Disease. There are only 500,000 people in the USA with this defect. (Robert J. Bryg, MD ,March 07, 2009 http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/congenital-heart-disease.) Cardall was one of those with this birth defect, but it was not required for him to have a heart transplant until he got older. 2

His first memories of music was the music he sang in Primary.During college he played in places like Nordstrom to make extra money.Eventually people wanted a copy of his music.Music helped Cardall through his suffering.Music brought him hope a comfort.Music helped Cardall through his suffering. He found hope and comfort in music. His first memories of music was the music he sang in primary, which is a Church class for kids. As he got older and went to college he would play the piano at places like Nordstrom to make some extra money. People were fascinated by his music and wanted a copy. (Author not posted. http://www.paulcardall.com/about.htm). 3Cardall had many surgeries to fix his heart as he grew up.He needed a heart transplant or he would die.He started a blog to let others know how he was doing.

He had many painful surgeries to fix a problem here and there with his heart. Despite all this he kept going. Just after he learned of the need for a heart transplant he kept a blog about his condition.4Living for EdenHis blog was named after his daughter.His blog wasnt negative or about dying.This blog talked about the importance of family.The blog was named after his daughter, and so was one of his CDS.

Cardall started a blog to update his family and friends on his condition and shared his thoughts, feelings, and observations of what was expected to be the final days of his life. But his blog, Living For Eden, wasnt about dying. It was about the importance of family, the need for faith, overcoming despair, and seizing every moment because with each day death is ever closer. The blog itself was named after his daughter Eden. As he struggled to survive, Cardall drew closer to God. In his daily blog entries he offered principles universal to those who value spiritual things, and celebrates what it means to truly love ones family. (David Burger, Salt Lake Tribune, August 30, 2010. http://www.paulcardall.com/)When his daughter Eden was born, he dedicated an album to her Living For Eden, the same name for his blog. 5

On September 9, 2009 Cardall received his heart transplant.He waited in the hospital for a year, before he got it.He only wrote one song during that period: Gracie's ThemeHe chance for survival was small, but he lived.

As Cardall waited just over one year to get his heart transplant he wrote just one song called Gracie's Theme. It was dedicated to all the children who lost their lives to Congenital Heart Disease or who had the defect at the current time.

On September 9, 2009, a heart was located for him and he was finally able to go through his needed transplant. He was told by doctors that his chance for survival was very small. All he could do was hope for the best and say goodbye to his family. The operation went very well, and after 18 hours of surgery he was up talking to his family.

6Gracies ThemeComposed by Paul CardallThere are about 3 published versions.Newest version was performed on February, 14 2011.Dedicated to those who have or are suffering from Congenital Heart Disease.Also dedicated to Gracie, who was an infant that died after a heart transplant.Gracie's Theme is one of my favorite songs that Paul Cardall plays, because it has a very sad background. Paul Cardall was born with a condition that many children are born with. He was born with congenital heart disease. Many who suffer with this problem need extensive surgeries and a possible heart transplant. As Cardall was in his 30's struggling with his condition, he heard from a women about the loss of her child from Congenital Heart Disease. This women knew Gracie and her family. Gracie was born with a very severe Congenital Heart disease and was put on the top of the list for heart transplants. On February 22, 2009, Gracie had a heart transplant at 4 days old. The heart transplant did not work. She was on life support after the surgery, and eventually taken off. She slowly slipped away. (Cardall, Paul. Before My Heart Stops:Memoir. Utah., 2010.) Gracie influenced Cardall so much that he wrote a song about her, and all those suffering with this disease. Listening to this song really makes you think of all those who have suffered with this problem. The song is peaceful, and very relaxing. This is one trait about Cradall that makes all of his music truly amazing. Gracie inspired many people including Cardall. Here is what he had to say about her. My wife and I have shed many tears for this child...., ...Over the years, I have been deeply affected by other sick children I've associated with while staying at Primary Children's. It's heartbreaking to know parents and medical personnel who've fought to keep children alive only to see them slowly slip away back into God's loving arms. And it's inspiring to witnesschildren who've been fortunate to continue their journey in this life. I am one of those. (Cardall, Paul. Before My Heart Stops:Memoir. Utah., 2010.) At Cardall's recent concert he gave a little background of this song. He told the audience that he has become very close to the parents of Gracie. That they have influenced his life so much. He said that when he first wrote Gracie's Theme, it didn't feel complete to him. He said that it was too sad. I have his first version and it is a sad song to listen to. You just think of all those who have died from this disease. He made another version of the song that he performed at last years concert and this years. He said it was a sad song at first, but than he added more to make it happy. It expressed the happiness that those who are fortunate enough to make it through the battle of this disease. And it also expresses the happy state those who have died, are in. This is one great song. I listen to it all the time.

7Cardall hiked up mount Olympus one year after his heart transplant.It was a hike dedicated to his brother he lost one year before.He was able to hike with his new heart for the first time.

Last year, Cardall made the hike up the Mount Olympus trail, in honor of his brother, who he and his family had lost a few years ago. When they got up at the top at 1:00pm it was exactly one year ago at 1:10pm that Brian Cardall was killed. They did not plan it this way, and many didn't realize that it was almost the exact time of his death tell they were up there. Just as Brian Cardall's heart stopped beating, Paul Cardall was able to hike a very hard trail, with his new heart, for the first time.

8Celebrate LifeCardall has performed two celebrate life concerts since his surgery.Performed on February 15, 2010, and February 14, 2011.He wrote the book before my heart stops since his surgery as well.

Finally a year after Cardall's heart transplant he was able to perform his first concert called celebrating life, on February 15, 2010, at the Abravanel Hall. . He will be performing another concert on February 14, 2011, for celebrating his life, at Cottonwood High school. One thing that I really love about Paul Cardall is the titles he gives to his music, his concerts, or even his books. The titles show how important life is and that we need to enjoy it. He had a new book come out recently called: before my heart stops. His concert was about celebrating life, and before his surgery his Living for Eden album was all about living for his daughter. Cardall loved music. He is an excellent pianist. He has come far and changed a lot of peoples lives with his music. I just love everything about Paul Cardall. His music is amazing, and very peaceful. He is one pianist I will never forget.9Composition HistoryGracies ThemeLife and DeathCome thou FountJesu, Joy of Mans Desiring

Life and DeathComposed by Paul CardallReleased on February 14, 2011.Performed the first time on February 14, 2011.The song is about Cardalls thoughts of life and death as he sat in the hospital.

This is one amazing song. It was released on February 14, 2011 to the public. It has a background similar to Gracie's Theme. The first time that it was played live to the public was on the same day of the concert. As Cardall sat in the hospital before and after his surgery, the thoughts of life and death flooded his mind. At his concert on February 14, he told the audience that this is one of the most inspired songs I wrote in this album. It truly is inspired. The song brings so much peace and happiness to you as you listen to it. It really makes you think about life.

11Come Thou FountComposed by Robert Robinson, in 1757.Robinson was only 22 years old.The tune of the song was composed by Asahel Nettleton.Paul Cardall did his own rendition.

This is another song that was not originally composed by Paul Cardall. He just does an amazing version on his piano. This song is a Christmas hymn that was was written by a pastor Robert Robinson, in 1757. Robinson was only 22 years old. The tune that the words are set to, was composed by Asahel Nettleton. This is an American Folk tune. (http://www.faithclipart.com/guide/Christian-Music/hymns-the-songs-and-the-stories/come-thou-fount-of-every-blessing-the-song-and-the-story.html). 12Jesu, Joy of Man's DesiringComposed by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1726. Bachs most loved work. Originally wrote to be played on the Sunday before Christmas.Paul Cardall did an amazing rendition of the song.

Paul Cardall does an amazing rendition of this song on the piano. There are several other instruments involved too. That is one thing that Paul Cardall did well. The history of this song was not originally organized and published by Paul Cardall. It was composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1726. It is said that this is Bach's most loved work. Johann Sebastian Bach wrote this song originally to be played on the Sunday before Christmas. (Shinn, Duane. http://EzineArticles.com/ expert=Duane_Shinn )13

Listening Guide

14Gracies Themehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpCCpHNMgNk

0:00- Piano begins playing slowly and softly in duple meter. 0:14 Verse 1 begins. He continues to play the same melody with his left hand, with slight variations. The verse (which I will call the right hand) is constantly changing, bringing the hearer feelings of peace.0:48 Three violins enter playing peacefully, adding to the already peaceful tune. 1:22 The melody changes as he begins to play different notes with his left hand. The violins continue to play, constantly adding to the suspense of the song.1:38 The intensity of the song increases. It gets louder and plays a little faster. Two cellos and a bass enter the song. 2:06 The piano, violins, cellos, and bass begin to wind down. 2:25 Verse 2 begins. This verse is completely different from the first verse. It is the climax of the performance. The strings play. The song quickly increases in volume and speed. 3:10 The final peak of the performance. Drums, two bass, guitar, and keyboard enter the song. Making the conclusion truly amazing. 3:47 Cardall concludes on the piano, the remaining instruments play. 3:52 The remaining instruments end.

0:00- Piano begins playing slowly and softly in duple meter. 0:14 Verse 1 begins. He continues to play the same melody with his left hand, with slight variations. The verse (which I will call the right hand) is constantly changing, bringing the hearer feelings of peace.0:48 Three violins enter playing peacefully, adding to the already peaceful tune. 1:22 The melody changes as he begins to play different notes with his left hand. The violins continue to play, constantly adding to the suspense of the song.1:38 The intensity of the song increases. It gets louder and plays a little faster. Two cellos and a bass enter the song. 2:06 The piano, violins, cellos, and bass begin to wind down. 2:25 Verse 2 begins. This verse is completely different from the first verse. It is the climax of the performance. The strings play. The song quickly increases in volume and speed. 3:10 The final peak of the performance. Drums, two bass, guitar, and keyboard enter the song. Making the conclusion truly amazing. 3:47 Cardall concludes on the piano, the remaining instruments play. 3:52 The remaining instruments end.

15Life and DeathWww.paulcardall.com This song is from his brand new CD. New Life

0:00 Piano begins very slowly. It plays a note and there there is a fairly long pause between notes. This melody is played for most of the song.0:08 The cello enters and it plays on the second note that the piano plays. It does that a few times. The piano then continues to play slowly0:46 It sounds as if a cello starts to play with the piano. Possibly more than one cello. It is more deeper than a violin. The play low at first than go higher, and fade out.1:06 The song continues to play in this manner.1:31 A french horn plays very lightly at this point. Coming in just like the cello. Playing just a small portion than fading out. 1:43 The violin(s) and cellos re-enter. The violins sound high at first and than they are played much lower after.2:01 Here the violins and cello's are being played in a constant note, instead of fading in and out in a low than high note like before.2:21 The piano plays lower here, which makes the violins sound like they went higher. They continue to play a constant note.

0:00 Piano begins very slowly. It plays a note and there there is a fairly long pause between notes. This melody is played for most of the song.0:08 The cello enters and it plays on the second note that the piano plays. It does that a few times. The piano then continues to play slowly0:46 It sounds as if a cello starts to play with the piano. Possibly more than one cello. It is more deeper than a violin. The play low at first than go higher, and fade out.1:06 The song continues to play in this manner.1:31 A french horn plays very lightly at this point. Coming in just like the cello. Playing just a small portion than fading out. 1:43 The violin(s) and cellos re-enter. The violins sound high at first and than they are played much lower after.2:01 Here the violins and cello's are being played in a constant note, instead of fading in and out in a low than high note like before.2:21 The piano plays lower here, which makes the violins sound like they went higher. They continue to play a constant note.16Cont;2:32 The violins and cellos crescendo. They go from playing quite to higher. A bass also starts playing.2:36 At this point the strings take over the melody of the piano. The piano stops playing. This part of the song is played much louder than the first half of the song. It is much more intensified and brings a feeling of awe to the listener.3:11 The piano re-enters to song. It takes back the melody. The strings return to playing low again, fading in and out with the piano.3:44 The piano and strings begin to play in harmony. Playing a separate melody. The piano plays faster than it had been previously in the song.4:10 Here it sounds like the song is winding down, and it almost stops completely.4:16 The music starts back up playing as they did before, with the violins, cellos, bass, french horn, and the piano playing in harmony.4:48 The song begins to make its final ending. It returns to how the song first started. With the piano playing slowly and the strings coming in and out of the song.5:20 The piano hits its final note which is a very high note. The strings continue to play.5:27 The string instruments finish.

2:32 The violins and cellos crescendo. They go from playing quite to higher. A bass also starts playing.2:36 At this point the strings take over the melody of the piano. The piano stops playing. This part of the song is played much louder than the first half of the song. It is much more intensified and brings a feeling of awe to the listener.3:11 The piano re-enters to song. It takes back the melody. The strings return to playing low again, fading in and out with the piano.3:44 The piano and strings begin to play in harmony. Playing a separate melody. The piano plays faster than it had been previously in the song.4:10 Here it sounds like the song is winding down, and it almost stops completely.4:16 The music starts back up playing as they did before, with the violins, cellos, bass, french horn, and the piano playing in harmony.4:48 The song begins to make its final ending. It returns to how the song first started. With the piano playing slowly and the strings coming in and out of the song.5:20 The piano hits its final note which is a very high note. The strings continue to play.5:27 The string instruments finish.

17Come Thou Fount0:00 Violin begins playing in duple meter. The violin is playing a solo and it is a very beautiful melody. 0:21 A cello joins the violin. The violin continues to play the melody. It is being played very high. 0:53 The remaining orchestra joins in. It sounds like more violins, cellos, and a bass. The string instruments. 1:05 The peak of the song for the string instruments. They play the melody higher to give it the feel of ultimate joy and peace. 1:30 The piano takes over the melody and continues to play the same rendition of the song. You can hear the string instruments playing very lightly in the background. 1:52 This is the ultimate climax of the song. The piano continues to play the same beat, at thesame volume. The strings start playing loudly to bring an amazing melody to the song. It makes the listener have a sense of awe.2:14 The piano and the strings fade out at the end of the song. Making the end very nice.

0:00 Violin begins playing in duple meter. The violin is playing a solo and it is a very beautiful melody. 0:21 A cello joins the violin. The violin continues to play the melody. It is being played very high. 0:53 The remaining orchestra joins in. It sounds like more violins, cellos, and a bass. The string instruments. 1:05 The peak of the song for the string instruments. They play the melody higher to give it the feel of ultimate joy and peace. 1:30 The piano takes over the melody and continues to play the same rendition of the song. You can hear the string instruments playing very lightly in the background. 1:52 This is the ultimate climax of the song. The piano continues to play the same beat, at thesame volume. The strings start playing loudly to bring an amazing melody to the song. It makes the listener have a sense of awe.2:14 The piano and the strings fade out at the end of the song. Making the end very nice.

18Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring0:00 An acoustic guitar starts to play the song in duple meter. It is playing a beat over and over in major mode. 0:17 piano joins in playing the melody as the guitar continues to play the same beat. It is a very happy melody.0:51 The piano starts to play the melody lower and a cello joins in. The melody is repeated fora while. Going a little higher as it is played. The guitar stops playing. 1:51 The piano slows down how it is playing the melody. You can faintly hear some drums start to play a few notes. The cello continues to play on and off during this part. 2:25 The remainder of the song is played in the same manner. The melody continues to repeat in a loop. The piano plays and the cello plays along too. It is still in major mode and duple meter. 4:00 The volume of the song drops. The piano slows down. The cello goes quite, and thesong slowly fades out as they play.

0:00 An acoustic guitar starts to play the song in duple meter. It is playing a beat over and over in major mode. 0:17 piano joins in playing the melody as the guitar continues to play the same beat. It is a very happy melody.0:51 The piano starts to play the melody lower and a cello joins in. The melody is repeated fora while. Going a little higher as it is played. The guitar stops playing. 1:51 The piano slows down how it is playing the melody. You can faintly hear some drums start to play a few notes. The cello continues to play on and off during this part. 2:25 The remainder of the song is played in the same manner. The melody continues to repeat in a loop. The piano plays and the cello plays along too. It is still in major mode and duple meter. 4:00 The volume of the song drops. The piano slows down. The cello goes quite, and thesong slowly fades out as they play.

19References and Bibliographyhttp://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/congenital-heart-disease.) http://www.paulcardall.com/about.htm). Cardall, Paul. Before My Heart Stops:Memoir. Utah., 2010.http://EzineArticles.com/ expert=Duane_Shinn http://www.faithclipart.com/guide/Christian-Music/hymns-the-songs-and-the-stories/come-thou-fount-of-every-blessing-the-song-and-the-story.html