Celebrate Piano Christmas I
by Albergo, Kolar, Mrozinski (FHMC).
This primer Christmas collection includes Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (D flat major, with the student playing clusters and the teacher's accompaniment playing the tune), as well as Bells are Ringing (G major), Away in a Manger (C major), We Three Kings (a minor), Jingle Bells (G major), We Wish You a Merry Christms "'C major) and Jolly Old Saint Nicholas (G major).
Some of the duets offer accompaniments typical of what we have heard before, but others are fresh and outstanding, among these: S.C./Town, Bells are Ringing, and Wish/M.C.
Two features I like: upbeats are cleverly avoided with little introductions that begin on the beat; and the student reads the music in the range it is to be performed with the duet, rather than learning in the middle and then playing up an octave. If you are looking for an alternative to Christmas music that is written all in C major, look into this collection. Review by Rebekah Maxner.
Celebrate Piano Christmas I
by Albergo, Kolar, Mrozinski (FHMC)
Published on April 1, 2006 in Arabesque