In Search
For the Meaning of Christmas is the companion songbook to
Isadars 1999 solo piano release by the same name. Meticulously
transcribed note-for-note by David Shenton of New York Music
Publishing, the music is faithful to the recording in every way
(except for the pianist - YOU!). The scores are clear, concise, and
easy to read, and also include chord indications for improvisation or
the use of instruments other than or in addition to the piano.
Isadars arrangements cover a whole range of emotions, from very
dark and somber to joyful and buoyant. All of the pieces from the CD
are here, including Isadars homage to Liz Story and her
beautiful version of Greensleeves. My personal favorites
of the eleven songs in this book are the bright and cheerful
Bring A Torch, What Child Is This?,
Greensleeves, the darkly gorgeous The Coventry
Carol, and Sing We Now of Christmas. Other titles
that I really like are Children Go Where I Send Thee/The Holly
and the Ivy, Star of Wonder(We Three Kings),
Carol of the Bells, and the effervescent Three
Ships. Silent (Silent Night) and
Midnight (It Came Upon a Midnight Clear) are a bit too
dark for my own holiday tastes, but are interesting and very personal
arrangements. This book will make a great addition to your holiday
sheet music collection and is available from www.isadar.com.
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