What’s New This Week: 12/20/23
Here's a new batch of holiday tracks, including songs from Pentatonix, Matthew West, Phil Wickham, and more!
We still have a lot of great new Christmas tracks to choose from, so check out our highlights below. Be sure to click here for all our new songs, and have safe and music-filled holiday season!
· “Kid on Christmas” by Pentatonix feat. Meghan Trainor: From the Pentatonix album Holidays Around the World, the group decided to collaborate with Meghan Trainor while member Scott Hoying was working on Meghan’s new album. This duo sings the lead parts, and the catchy pop duet encourages you to enjoy the wonders of the season, just like a kid on Christmas. The accompaniment features lively blocked chords, so bring along a friend to sing this holiday hit!
· “Manger Throne” by Phil Wickham: Contemporary Christian artist Phil Wickham brings us a new single for this holiday season. The lyrics tell us that Jesus could have come into the world with a lot of fanfare, but He ended up having more humble beginnings in a manger. The song gradually builds to a triumphant finish with backup choir vocals. Revel in playing this moving piece, which is a great addition to your religious repertoire.
· “A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Neil Archer: Famously featured in the classic Christmas special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, this was originally sung by Burl Ives. This arrangement by Signature Artist Neil Archer gives the song a piano solo update but still maintains the characteristic elements of the melody. It features a bouncing, swinging bass line. Be sure to bring out the exciting dynamics and articulations, and enjoy this jazzy rendition!
· “Because of Bethlehem” by Matthew West: This single by well-known Contemporary Christian artist Matthew West highlights the Christian story of Christmas, and it was inspired by a book of the same name by Max Lucado. This piano-friendly arrangement tells the story of Jesus' birth. Bring out the beautiful new melody, and keep building the momentum towards the end of the song.
· “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer/We Wish You a Merry Christmas/Feliz Navidad” by Jason Lyle Black: Pianist Jason Lyle Black compiled a wide variety of Christmas medleys, and in this arrangement, he brings together three well-known classics. This medley includes a variety of variations of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” including one in a minor key. If you're up for a challenge, the sheet music includes an optional extended ending of “Feliz Navidad.” This is a very accessible arrangement if you need a last minute piano solo for your upcoming Christmas event! Check out all the Christmas arrangements by Jason Lyle Black here.
· “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Lisa Donovan Lukas: Originally written for Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, this song is a favorite for kids to sing and play. This piano solo arrangement by Signature Artist Lisa Donovan Lukas is a great option for early intermediate players, giving you a chance to practice playing in D minor. This arrangement focuses on syncopation and accidentals, and it includes the lyrics if you'd like to sing along!
Bonus Pick of the Week
· “Winter Sonata” by David Lanz: The first single release from the upcoming solo piano album Valentine Hill, this arrangement is something to play as we enter the winter months. The piano part brings visions of a snowy winter landscape with flowing eighth notes in the left hand. Bring out the phrasing and musicality to make this contemplative piece shine.
Click here for all our newest sheet music, and be sure to download our Musicnotes app!