The John Rutter Christmas Piano Album brings together eight of the composer's best-loved seasonal choral pieces as piano transcriptions, made by John Rutter himself, for performance use or enjoyment at home. Designed for pianists at early intermediate level, the collection provides skilful and approachable arrangements of festive favourites such as 'Angels' Carol' and 'What sweeter music' and of the more recent 'Colours of Christmas' and 'Christ our Emmanuel'. The gentle 'Mary's Lullaby', meanwhile, features a newly written Epilogue, a homage to George Shearing and evoking the style of this celebrated jazz pianist. Clearly presented and laid out, the transcriptions also include the texts (lyrics) within the piano score, for reference or potential sing-alongs. From the composer who has become synonymous with Christmas, this versatile collection is a joyous celebration of the season.
The pieces in this collection have been recorded by Wayne Marshall on Decca Records.