The Night Before Christmas

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“The Night Before Christmas” also known as “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” is a famous poem written by Clement Clarke Moore. It was first published anonymously in 1823 and has since become a beloved and iconic Christmas poem. The poem is known for its depiction of Santa Claus and his reindeer on Christmas Eve, as they deliver presents to children.

The original version of “The Night Before Christmas” is accessible to pianists with an intermediate to advanced skill level. While the piece does not require virtuosic techniques, it does demand a nuanced understanding of dynamics, phrasing, and expression. Pianists should be comfortable navigating through various musical nuances, capturing the whimsical nature of the composition.

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Christmas Sheet Music

“Beautiful Savior” is a Christian hymn with its origins in a German Lutheran hymn titled “Schoenster Herr Jesu.” The English translation of the hymn is commonly known as “Beautiful Savior.” The hymn’s text is attributed to the German Jesuit priest Ignaz Franz, and the melody is derived from a Silesian folk song. The hymn has been translated into English by …

“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” is a Christmas carol that was written by American pastor and poet Edmund Hamilton Sears in 1849. The carol is set to music composed by Richard Storrs Willis, and it was first published in the “Christian Register” in Boston in December 1850. The lyrics of the carol reflect themes of peace and the message …

“Joy to the World” is a classic Christmas carol often arranged for a variety of instruments, including the cello. The rich and resonant tones of the cello can bring a deep, soulful quality to this joyous melody. The melody commonly associated with “Joy to the World” was arranged by Lowell Mason in 1836, an American music educator and composer. He …

Grieg’s Christmas Song, also known as “Julekveld,” is a short and delightful piano piece that captures the essence of a peaceful and snowy Christmas Eve. The gentle and lilting melody evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, making it a perfect addition to any holiday music selection. Grieg masterfully weaves together simple yet evocative harmonies, creating a piece that is …

Claude Debussy, a prominent figure in Impressionist music, is celebrated for his innovative compositions that break away from traditional harmonic structures and embrace atmospheric and evocative tonalities. One such enchanting piece is “Noël des Enfants Qui N’ont Plus de Maison” (Christmas Carol for Children Without a Home), a piano work that captures the essence of the holiday season with a …

The piece is part of Berlioz’s larger work, the oratorio “L’Enfance du Christ” (The Childhood of Christ). “Sérénade agreste à la Madone” is the final movement of Part II of the oratorio. It depicts the shepherds bidding farewell to the Holy Family as they flee to Egypt. Adapting orchestral compositions for the piano is no easy task, and yet, the …

“What Child Is This?” is a Christmas carol with lyrics written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865. The lyrics are set to the tune of the traditional English folk song “Greensleeves.” The carol focuses on the birth of Jesus Christ and reflects on the significance of His arrival. To play “What Child Is This” on the piano, a pianist should …

Bach’s “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” BWV 191, is a separate and shorter work compared to the larger Mass in B minor. It is a sacred choral composition, and it consists of the Gloria section of the Latin Mass.

Carl Thiel (1902–1982) was a German composer and arranger known for his contributions to piano music. Thiel’s arrangements often featured a delicate balance of technical proficiency and emotional expressiveness, making them accessible to a wide range of pianists. Carl Thiel’s arrangement of “In Dulci Jubilo” for piano is a delightful and uplifting piece that brings the joy of the holiday …

“What Child Is This?” is a popular Christmas carol that is often sung during the holiday season. The lyrics are set to the tune of the English folk song “Greensleeves.” The carol is known for its serene and reflective tone, and it focuses on the nativity story of the birth of Jesus Christ. While “What Child Is This” may seem …

“A Holly Jolly Christmas” is a popular Christmas song written by Johnny Marks in 1962. It was first recorded by Burl Ives in 1964 and has since become a holiday classic. Marks was a prolific songwriter of Christmas tunes and is also known for composing other holiday classics like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” “A …

“Shepherds, Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep” is a traditional Christmas carol. The song’s lyrics encourage shepherds to wake up and go to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Jesus. The carol reflects the Biblical account of the shepherds who were visited by angels and instructed to go and see the newborn Christ. Due to the technical demands and the need …

“Away in a Manger” is a beloved Christmas carol that is often sung during the holiday season. It is known for its gentle and soothing melody, making it a popular choice for lullabies and children’s Christmas programs. The carol has a peaceful and contemplative tone. Organ Sheet Music.

The composition is scored for voice and piano or organ, and it often features a solo vocalist accompanied by the rich harmonies of the keyboard instrument. The lyrics, written by Frederick H. Martens, narrate the story of the Nativity, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The music, with its serene and tender melodies, captures the joy and reverence associated with …

“Angels from the Realms of Glory” is a traditional Christmas carol that is often sung during the holiday season. The lyrics were written by James Montgomery in 1816, and the music is usually set to the tune “Regent Square,” composed by Henry Thomas Smart in 1867.