I have been using David Lanz’s Christmas Eve songbook with great success with my advancing students since it was released in 1994. The songbook contains all of the music from David Lanz’s CD of the same name, including the shorter improvisations that are between the more traditional Christmas carols. The arrangements are full, beautiful, and most are not difficult. Intermediate and upper-intermediate players should have no problem, and advanced players will enjoy richness of the sound and the uniqueness of the arrangements. Some are slow and reflective, but a few of my favorites are very upbeat and spirited, making for a varied combination of playing styles. The music has been a wonderful addition to my holiday student piano styles for years.

“Angels We Have Heard On High” and “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” are always very popular with students with their flowing feel and rhythmic changes to the melodies. “The First Noel/ Christmas Eve Waltz” is dreamy and touchingly beautiful. I love David’s take on “Joy to World,” and this the most joyful version of this song I’ve ever found - a blast to play! My favorite in the book is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” which combines that haunting song with hints of “Carol of the Bells” at the beginning and end of the piece. I look forward to dusting that one off every year! David’s arrangement of “Silent Night” is also exceptional.

Christmas Eve is a fantastic collection of piano solos for the holidays, and I give it my highest recommendation! It’s available from davidlanz.com and amazon.com.