A Lighter Shade of Christmas: 15 Christmas Favorites for Early-Intermediate Piano Solo. - book review

American Music Teacher, June-July, 2002 by Kathy Winston

arranged by Joseph Scianni. Carl Fischer (65 Bleecker St., New York, NY 10012), 2001.31 pp., $6.95. Intermediate.

This collection of fifteen standard Christmas pieces is arranged for solo piano by Joseph Scianni. Although composed for the early-intermediate student, this collection is better suited for the older student, perhaps high school age or older. Many of the accompanying figures throughout this collection require a larger hand span; giving this Collection to, a younger child would cause some difficulties in that area. The pieces are all arranged as short, two-page pieces in the keys of C, F, G, D and B-flat major. The pieces also are all written within the same style and mood. Since there are several pieces written in the same key and style, it would be easy to combine two or three pieces and perform them as a medley of Christmas favorites.

All pieces are written in a melody and accompaniment style, with the right hand playing the melody and the left hand playing chordal figures or arpeggiations. Some harmonies and rhythms are in a more contemporary vein, with splashes of jazz chords and syncopations. The editing of this collection is minimal. No finger numbers are given, and if a pedal is to be used, the words "with pedal" appear at the start of the piece.

This collection could be used as supplementary Christmas repertoire for the high school or adult student or repertoire that could be played at a holiday recital. Reviewed by Kathy Winston, Austin, Texas.