Joshua Zimmerman’s A Crimson and Starlit Christmas songbook is the companion sheet music for Joshua’s 2026 recording by the same name. All ten pieces from the album are included and were transcribed note-for-note by John Zechiel (always a good sign!!!). Joshua’s arrangements are on the quieter, more peaceful side, but there is no lack of emotion or expression in the music. There are no Santa songs in this group, making it an ideal collection for church pianists as well as piano teachers, advancing piano students, and pianists who love expressive Christmas music that won’t take a lot of practice to learn and master. I wouldn’t call these arrangements “easy piano” by any means, but I also wouldn’t call them advanced either - they’re just right! :)

I printed out the songbook on regular 8 1/2” x 11” copy paper, and the scores are well-spaced and very easy to read. Expression and metronome settings are clearly indicated. There are no reaches of more than an octave and there are no repeated sections, eliminating having to flip back and forth while playing. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with this songbook (as well as the album!) and plan to spend a lot more time with it during the holidays!

The pdf songbook can be purchased and downloaded from Joshua’s website. Very highly recommended!

The titles of the pieces, the key they are in, and the number of pages are:

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Key of G minor (2 flats) - 5 pages
O Little Town of Bethlehem - Key of D minor (1 flat) - 4 pages
What Child Is This? - Key of A minor (0 sharps or flats) - 4 pages
Away in a Manger - Key of F (1 flat) - 4 pages
God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen - Key of E minor (1 sharp) - 5 pages
Angels We Have Heard on High - Key of F (1 flat) - 6 pages
We Three Kings - Key of E minor (1 sharp) - 6 pages
Joy to the World - Key of D (2 sharps) - 7 pages
O Holy Night - Key of C (0 sharps or flats) - 6 pages
Silent Night - Key of C (0 sharps or flats) - 3 pages