The Christmas Collection is Robin Spielberg’s first Christmas album in seven years, and her first ever solo piano Christmas album. As a piano teacher who teaches Christmas music from the end of October (recital preparation) through the holidays, there is kind of a standing joke about how much I hate Christmas music by the time the holiday actually arrives, but this collection is so elegant and lovingly played that it might be one of the few that I will continue to enjoy right through Christmas Day. Spielberg keeps her arrangements simple, allowing the beauty of the melodies to sing and gently convey their messages of hope, joy, and peace. Spielberg opens the collection with a great arrangement of “Carol of the Bells” - one of my favorites. This can be a very energetic piece, and Spielberg slows it down a bit, emphasizing the haunting melody and harmonies, giving it a fresh new interpretation. Spielberg’s arrangement of “O Holy Night” is also different, as she gives the chorus a very gentle and quiet treatment rather than a commanding” Fall on your knees!” that is usually done, making this a very understated and thoughtful piece. Other pieces included are “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, “Silent Night”, “The Coventry Carol” and a sprightly version of “Jingle Bells”. There are also lovely versions of “In the Bleak Midwinter” and “Wind Through the Olive Trees”, which aren’t as well-known. This is a wonderful collection of Christmas music that would be a great accompaniment for your holiday festivities as well as a soothing antidote for the stresses of the season. Very highly recommended!