Larry Karpenko’s “The River” Offers A Healing Current Of Spiritual Reflection
From the quiet banks of the Shenandoah River to the depths of spiritual contemplation, Larry Karpenko’s “The River” flows as a heartfelt meditation on faith, nature, and divine connection. Written during his college years, the song draws inspiration from his time at a boarding high school where the Shenandoah’s steady waters became both literal and metaphorical companions – a source of peace and a representation of God’s unwavering presence.
Karpenko’s warm, unhurried vocals carry the listener along like gentle currents, his voice never straining but instead finding perfect harmony with the song’s serene instrumentation. The arrangement begins simply with piano and harp, mirroring the river’s tranquil passage through Virginia’s lush valleys. As the song progresses, it deepens into richer spiritual waters, transforming the physical river into a powerful metaphor for divine love with the recurring line “the river that runs through my heart.”
The song’s emotional peak arrives with a heavenly choir whose harmonies seem to descend like light through stained glass, followed by a seamless transition into the beloved hymn “Shall We Gather at the River.” Here the music swells with brass and orchestral percussion while handbells ring out like church towers on a Sunday morning, creating a moment of pure spiritual exultation before returning to the quiet harp-led reflection of the river’s edge.
What makes “The River” particularly special is how it bridges musical generations, combining Karpenko’s original songwriting with traditional hymnody in a way that feels both fresh and timeless. The inclusion of handbells, played by Karpenko’s own children in live performances, adds a personal touch to the orchestral arrangement, while subtle drum elements provide a contemporary undercurrent to the classical instrumentation.
This recording marks a significant milestone as Karpenko’s first published orchestral work, allowing this deeply personal composition to be shared in worship settings and concert halls alike. As the final notes fade with the image of “the river that flows by the throne of God,” listeners are left with a profound sense of peace and the quiet assurance that, like the river, divine love runs steady and true.
Now available on all platforms, “The River” invites listeners to wade into its calming waters and find their own moment of reflection and connection. For those familiar with the spiritual longing in Steven Curtis Chapman’s work or the serene beauty of nature-inspired hymns, Karpenko’s composition offers a new place of worship and rest along life’s journey.
The song stands as a testament to Karpenko’s ability to craft music that is at once simple and profound, personal yet universal – much like the river that inspired it. In a world that often feels turbulent, “The River” remains a gentle reminder of the peace that flows for those who pause to listen.
Stream Below:open.spotify.com/track/6JnMm
