An Impressionistic Christmas

Uses: Christmas Christmas Eve Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2 Luke 2:4-7 From the very first measure there is an impressionistic approach to this evocative Christmas text. Unique in its perspective the poetry is filled with images of Bethlehem's palms and meaningful moments with the holy family. The melody is very special flowing forward upon Chopin-esque piano writing all creating a sacred nocturne of exquisite beauty. Stunning!

Gently impressionistic writing characterizes this tranquil choral tableau from the imaginations of Lee Dengler and J. Paul Williams. The writers tell the old old story in a fresh new way giving choirs everywhere somethingdestined to become a Christmas classic. Listen for the perfect interweaving of “Angels We Have Heard on High” into the original material. “Starry Skies” is simply beautiful.

In Recital Throughout The Year is a series that focuses on fabulous repertoire with musically engaging pieces by leading FJH composers and arrangers. This series of books is carefully levelled to ensure that goals are attainable which is essential in motivating students. Providing excellent teaching material these books address the strengths and weaknesses of students with progressive discussions by Dr. Helen Marlais on the art of performance and an analysis of performance strategies.The pieces presented in these books provide repertoire for the entire year including pieces for Halloween and Christmas as well as arrangements of famous classicalthemes with original solos and duets.The accompanying CD includes demonstrations of the pieces presented in this book allowing the student to develop their interpretive skills.Volume One Book 6 is suitable for Late Intermediate pianists and covers many basic principles including:Rhythmic patterns of dotted eighth notes sixteenth notes and triplet sixteenth notesPieces in simple compound and mixed metersMore challenging passage work scales in tenths octaves glissandos and hand-over-hand configurationsOne piece introduces an impressionistic style with parallel chords colour chords and the use of the middle sostenuto pedalPieces with changes of tempo character and articulationsPieces in which the melody and the accompaniment are found within the same handSyncopated rhythms jazz chords and all kinds of arpeggiated and broken chord patterns appearSimple ornamentation such as grace notes and trillsPieces reinforce the following musical terms: espressivo cantando melancolico teneramente accelerando rallentando più mosso meno mosso along with basic musical terminology found in books 1-5.A mixture of major and minor keys strengthen the student’s command