THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

THE

ULTIMATE

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

O CHRISTMAS TREE

THE ULTIMATE

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

O Christmas Tree

THE PIANO ENCYCLOPEDIA

2020

COPYRIGHT © 2020 THE PIANO ENCYCLOPEDIA

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

First Printing: 2020

The Piano Encyclopedia PianoEncyclopedia.com

Printed in the USA

CONTENTS ABOUT THE PIANO ENCYCLOPEDIA ....................................................................................................................................... 2

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK ....................................................................................................................................................... 4

THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION ............................................................................................................................ 10

ERNST GEBHARD SALOMON ANSCHÜTZ ............................................................................................................................. 12

ABOUT THIS MAGNIFICENT COMPOSITION ......................................................................................................................... 13

LYRICS ................................................................................................................................................................................. 14

LEVEL 1: PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT - SING & PLAY .............................................................................................................. 16

LEVEL 2: PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT - SING & PLAY .............................................................................................................. 20

LEVEL 3: PIANO SOLO - SHINE & PLAY ................................................................................................................................. 24

LEVEL 4: PIANO SOLO - SHINE & PLAY ................................................................................................................................. 28

THE PIANO ENCYCLOPEDIA ................................................................................................................................................. 31

YOUR NEXT STEPS ............................................................................................................................................................... 32

DISCOVER THE LOGIC BEHIND MUSIC .................................................................................................................................. 33

1 THE PIANO ENCYCLOPEDIA

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

HOLIDAY SONGS 2

ABOUT THE PIANO ENCYCLOPEDIA The Piano Encyclopedia creates digital home-study courses, interactive courses, books, and all

sorts of educational material to help people around the world learn how to play the piano.

Acclaimed by thousands of students in 75 countries, with over 250,000 fans on Facebook, The

Piano Encyclopedia was founded in 2005. Years of development and more than two hundred

and fifty contributors from all the corners of the world - inspired musicians, pianists,

developers, engineers, writers, editors, and graphic designers- have worked together to create

a unique learning experience that continues to revolutionize the way people learn piano

around the world.

The Piano Encyclopedia’s mission is to prove to the world that “musicians are not born - they

are made.” Lessons are focused on teaching students how to improvise, compose, and play

the piano by ear - by demonstrating how to recognize the hidden patterns of music through

modern interactive technology.

The Piano Encyclopedia also has been featured on Forbes as the premier music education

company: “The Piano Encyclopedia, which I describe as the Rosetta Stone of the music

education sector, is revolutionizing the way people learn how to play the piano” - Ricardo

Geromel, Forbes.

Visit The Piano Encyclopedia’s website to access more courses:

PianoEncyclopedia.com


INTRODUCTION The Piano Encyclopedia has prepared this exclusive holiday collection for your enjoyment. It is

a compilation of the most wonderful melodies that have united generations of friends and

families throughout the centuries: the most beloved Christmas carols.

Every song comes in multiple versions for your delight. Become the star of the night by playing

the piano solo version. Or, play and sing along with your friends and family, using the piano

accompaniment version.

Are you just starting and don't know how to read music? We got you covered with

the easy version - which needs no music-reading skills. Do you want to take it up a level? Use

the lead sheet version, and play the piano solo version designed for intermediate level. Or

maybe, you want to play the 4-voice arrangement for piano solo, devised for seasoned

players. Whatever version you choose, each version comes bundled with interactive

videos that will show you how to learn them step-by-step. Furthermore, you will also enjoy

The Piano Encyclopedia's colored chord charts that will show you which keys to play.

In addition to the easy version with lyrics, the intermediate lead sheet version, and the

advanced sheet music version, we have also included exquisite information about each of the

Christmas Carols. You will find out the story behind each of these beloved melodies, who

composed them, and when they were created. Stand out from the crowd, and become the

start of the night this Christmas eve. Get ready to enjoy a night full of joy, blessings, and music

by using The Piano Encyclopedia's magical collection of holiday songs.

On behalf of The Piano Encyclopedia's entire staff, I wish you and your family a Happy Holidays

and a wonderful new year, full of joy and music!

Rod Schejtman

_____________________

CEO & Founder

The Piano Encyclopedia

HOLIDAY SONGS 4

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK Ready to play?

All the songs contained in this collection come in four different levels. You might be wondering

about how to use them and what might be the best way to make the most out of this book.

This section is dedicated to explain all you need to know on how to use this book and how to

play your favorite Holiday songs!

The first two versions - Level 1 and Level 2 - are piano accompaniment versions, which

means that you will be able to accompanying a singer. Get prepared to be the center of

attention as you and your family sings together, while you play the accompaniment.

The last two versions - Level 3 and Level 4 - are piano solo versions, which means that you

will be playing the melody yourself, and there is no need for anyone to sing. You will be the

star of the night as everyone listens to your playing.

If you are an experienced piano player, you may skip this introduction entirely, if not please

continue reading so we can cover some of the basics.


QUICK WALKTHROUGH

“What are the symbols that are on top of the lyrics of Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3?”. These

symbols - such as “C”, “Cm”, “Em”, or “G7”- represent chords that you must play at precisely

that moment where they are positioned. Musicians use these symbols for short and it is a very

powerful notation as you can write complete songs, in just a few chord symbols.

“What are chords?” Chords are simply a combination of three or more notes that are meant

to be played together. In fact, if you play more than two notes together, you would have

played a chord. But - of course - some combinations of notes sound better than others. This

book will tell you exactly what chords to play, so you don’t have to guess. If you would like a

deeper review about chords we recommend you take our premium course on chords. For

now, just focus on playing the correct notes you see on the screen and that will be enough for

you to get started.

“What happens if I don’t know the chord symbols?”. Not a problem! At the end of each song

you will find piano chord charts which show you exactly what notes to play for each chord

symbol. This will make it extremely easy for you to be able to play all your favorite songs and

get into the Holiday spirit!

The piano keyboard images will look like the one below, where you will be able to see the

name or symbol used to represent the chord, at the top left:

In the image above, the “A” symbol represents an “A Major Triad” chord. The keys colored in

gold represent the ones you should play whenever you see an “A” symbol.

As you are a beginner, it actually doesn’t matter what each of the symbols represent, as we

are providing you piano chord charts! So, don't worry about the chord names - yet!

HOLIDAY SONGS 6

Just focus on playing the right notes whenever you see any chord symbol, as described on the

piano chart.

“Can you tell me more about this notation?”. Sure! A simple letter, like “C”, “D”, or “E”,

represents a “Major Triad” chord. Major chords, usually sound cheerful or uplifting.

A simple letter followed by a “m”, represents a “Minor Triad” chord. Minor chords, usually

sound melancholic or sad.

In the image above, the “Em” symbol represents an “E Minor Triad Chord”; however, there is

an added slash.

The added slash “/”, specifies that the chord must be played in a specific inversion. An

inversion is changing the normal order of the notes of a chord, and playing them in a different

order. You could think of inverted chords as chords that are played upside-down. In this case,

we want the “E Minor Triad chord” inverted. The slash followed by a “B”, means that we

should play the chord starting on the note “B”, instead of starting on “E” (normal position). So

the note after the slash, specifies exactly which of the available inversions to use.

As a beginner, all of these details are unnecessary for you to get started playing. You can learn

more about this notation in detail in our premium courses. Right now, it is not important as

you have the colored piano keyboard images which show you exactly what keys to play

without even thinking about it.

“What hand should I use to play the chords?” - Use the left hand to play the chords, to begin,

and play them on the leftmost part of your keyboard, leaving a full octave (12 keys) or two

free, before your keyboard starts.

“What can I do with my right hand?” - you might also ask. That’s a great question too. There

are multiple ways to play chords as piano accompaniment. However, first of all, you must


remember that you won't be playing the melody - you'll be singing it (or have your family and

friends sing with you!). This means that you will be using the piano to accompany the singing.

With this book you will have enough to throw a little holiday concert in the comforts of your

home.

"I want to go beyond playing chords with one hand, can you tell me more?". The first

method is to play the same chord with both hands, at the same time. You will get a full rich

sound. Your left hand should be placed close to the leftmost part of your keyboard, so you get

a deeper sound. The trick, however, is that your right hand, should be at least an octave apart

(at least 12 keys apart) from your left hand, so you get even a fuller sound (this detail is very

important). This is the method we recommend the most, especially if you are just starting out.

The second method is to play the chord on the right hand along with the bass notes on the left

hand. Which bass note to play with your left hand? The most basic and easiest way to do this

is to play the first note of the chord as the bass note, using your left hand, on the leftmost part

of your keyboard.

Simultaneously as you do this, play the chord with your right hand. Here are some examples: if

your chord is a “C”, then play a “C” note - with your left hand - and the full chord with your

right hand; if your chord is “G7”, play a “G” note - with your left hand - and the full chord with

your right hand. As the final example, if your chord is a “Dm”, play a “D” note - with your left

hand - and play the full chord with your right hand. Easy! Make sure you do this with at least

an octave or two apart to achieve a more complete sound.

However, if you are a beginner or first time player, we recommend you use the first method

or play just with your right hand alone, until you gain some practice.

Whatever method you choose, you don’t have to play each chord just once. You can repeat

each chord multiple times by playing it in a consistent rhythm, until you reach the next chord

change. This works great for almost every song, no matter if it is gospel, pop, or rock - is very

easy to do!

“Can I do anything different to make it sound nicer?” - you might ask. Of course!

There are dozens of ways of accompanying a singer or playing songs and you will find detailed

information about this, as well as everything you need to know about chords and the different

ways that you can play from a lead-sheet on our Digital Home-Study Course ”The Logic Behind

Music”.

This course is recommended for all levels: first-time players, beginners, intermediates, and

advanced players. By teaching you how to recognize the hidden patterns of music, you will

learn not just how to play your favorite songs across all music styles - from classical and jazz,

to rock, gospel, and more - but also, how to play songs by ear, improvise, and create your

own music. (And yes! Those skills can be learned).

HOLIDAY SONGS 8

To learn more about our Digital Home-Study Course and understand why it has been

recognized by FORBES as "the course that is revolutionizing the way people learn how to

play the piano", go to PianoEncyclopedia.com.

If instead of creating your own accompaniment and bass line, you want to profit from the

professional arrangements created by our expert musicians, use Level 2. However, this level

will require music reading skills.

Level 3 is a piano solo version; and level 4 is advanced four-part voicing arrangement for

experienced pianists.

Whatever your level is, this book will provide you all the fun you need to impress your family

and friends.

If you’re ready to hone your musical prowess and play your favorite Holiday songs, then it’s

time for you to go to the next page. We hope you enjoy!



HOLIDAY SONGS 10

THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS

COLLECTION

O CHRISTMAS TREE




HOLIDAY SONGS 12

ERNST GEBHARD SALOMON ANSCHÜTZ GERMAN OUTSTANDING CAROL COMPOSER AND NOBEL POET

Ernst Gebhard Salomon Anschütz (1780 - 1861) was a German teacher, organist, poet, and

composer. He is also known for his account of the death of Johann Christian Woyzeck in 1824.

Anschütz worked as a teacher in Leipzig for 50 years, during which he did most of his poetry

and composing.

As a multi-talented artist and is especially recollected as the poet of the famous Christmas

carol "O Tannenbaum". - After home schooling with his father and attending the village

school. Following his father's request, he studied theology at the University of Leipzig from

Easter 1798. In 1802 he was promoted to Dr. phil. PhD. Since he professed Freemasonry and

belonged to the Leipzig Lodge "Apollo", all other church offices were inaccessible to him.

Some of Ernst Gebhard Anschutz Anschutz's impressive works include:

Alle meine Entchen

Alle Jahre wieder; 1837, Text: Wilhelm Hey

Tannenbaum

Fuchs, du hast die Gans gestohlen

Auf dem grünen Rasen

Es klappert die Mühle am rauschenden Bach; Musik: Carl Reinecke (1824–1910), Die

Mühle, Op. 91 aus Kinderlieder. Based on Es zogen drei Reiter zum Tore hinaus, (c.

1770)

Weihnachtszeit

Ei, ei, ei, ihr Hühnerchen

Libretto to Johann von Nepomuk, a singspiel by Johann Carl Gottfried Loewe


ABOUT THIS MAGNIFICENT COMPOSITION This is just one of at least a dozen English versions of this traditional German song, dating back

about 500 years – long before it was counted as a Christmas carol. (A Tannenbaum is a fir

tree.) The English “O Christmas Tree” versions came about after the Christmas tree custom

had extended across the Christian world.

Tannenbaum is a fir tree or Christmas tree. Granting most Christmas trees today are Fichten

(spruce) rather than Tannen, the virtues of the evergreen have inspired musicians to write

several “Tannenbaum” songs in German over the years. The best-known German version was

penned in 1824 by a Leipzig organist named Ernst Anschütz. The melody is an old folk tune.

The first known “Tannenbaum” song lyrics date back to 1550. A similar 1615 song by Melchior

Franck (1573-1639) goes: “Ach Tannebaum, ach Tannebaum, du bist ein edler Zweig! Du

grünest uns den Winter, die lieben Sommerzeit.” (“Oh fir tree, o fir tree, you are a noble

bough! You make the winter a dear summertime green.”) – There are at least a dozen English

versions of this carol, all by unknown authors, but all are founded on the German original. The

melody is also heard in US college sports songs.

From a song about a tree, to a song about a Christmas tree, to a song about pretty much every

state with a three-syllable name, “O Tannenbaum” verifies that a catchy-enough melody can

travel beyond cultural and religious confines, and to this day can be identified around the

world.

HOLIDAY SONGS 14

LYRICS 1

O Christmas Tree,

O Christmas Tree,

How faithful are thy branches!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,

How faithful are thy branches!

Green not alone in summertime,

But in the winter's frost and rime;


How faithful are they branches.

2

O Christmas Tree,

O Christmas Tree,

What happiness befalls me.



When oft at Joyous Christmas time,

your form inspires my song and rhyme.

O Christmas Tree,

O Christmas Tree,


3

O Christmas Tree,

O Christmas Tree,

Your boughs can teach a lesson.


Your boughs can teach a lesson.

That constant faith and hope sublime

Lend strength and comfort through all time.

O Christ-mas Tree,

O Christ-mas Tree,

Your boughs can teach a lesson

Ernst Gebhard Salomon Anschütz



HOLIDAY SONGS 16

PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT

- SING & PLAY -


HOLIDAY SONGS 18


PIANO CHORDS - LEVEL -

HOLIDAY SONGS 20

PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT

- SING & PLAY -


HOLIDAY SONGS 22



HOLIDAY SONGS 24

PIANO SOLO

- SHINE & PLAY -


HOLIDAY SONGS 26



HOLIDAY SONGS 28

PIANO SOLO

- SHINE & PLAY -


HOLIDAY SONGS 30


THE PIANO ENCYCLOPEDIA The Piano Encyclopedia creates digital home-study courses, interactive courses, books, and all

sorts of educational material to help people around the world learn how to play the piano.

Acclaimed by thousands of students in 75 countries, with over 250,000 fans on Facebook, The

Piano Encyclopedia was founded in 2005. Years of development and more than two hundred

and fifty contributors from all the corners of the world - inspired musicians, pianists,

developers, engineers, writers, editors, and graphic designers- have worked together to create

a unique learning experience that continues to revolutionize the way people learn piano

around the world.

The Piano Encyclopedia’s mission is to prove to the world that “musicians are not born - they

are made.” Lessons are focused on teaching students how to improvise, compose, and play

the piano by ear - by demonstrating how to recognize the hidden patterns of music through

modern interactive technology.

The Piano Encyclopedia also has been featured on Forbes as the premier music education

company: “The Piano Encyclopedia, which I describe as the Rosetta Stone of the music

education sector, is revolutionizing the way people learn how to play the piano” - Ricardo

Geromel, Forbes.

Visit The Piano Encyclopedia’s website to access more courses:

PianoEncyclopedia.com

HOLIDAY SONGS 32

YOUR NEXT STEPS

LEARN PIANO FROM HOME

Learn at your own pace, whenever you want, using The Piano Encyclopedia’s ground-

breaking technology.

PLAY SONGS BY EAR

Unveil simple but powerful secrets, through our interactive step-by-step lessons that

contain over 4500 interactive piano graphics.

IMPROVISE AND COMPOSE

Discover how to create your own music by discovering how music really works.

LESSONS FOR ALL LEVELS

Our unique method will take you from playing your first songs to learning how to

compose and improvise your own music.

INSTANT ONLINE ACCESS

Change the way you learn how to play the piano and discover what all great musicians

know but teachers never tell you.


DISCOVER THE LOGIC BEHIND MUSIC

THE LOGIC BEHIND MUSIC

DIGITAL HOME-STUDY COURSE

Featured by Forbes as the interactive course that is «revolutionizing the way people

learn how to play the piano». Acclaimed by thousands of students across 75 countries.

Learn how to play your favorite songs by ear, improvise, and create your own music by

discovering the secrets behind music. A revolutionary method based on logic and

understanding - not rules or memorization. You will be able to enjoy step-by-step

interactive lessons from beginner to advanced levels.

Discover The Logic Behind Music:

https://pianoencyclopedia.com/en/piano-courses/the-logic-behind-music/

https://pianoencyclopedia.com/en/piano-courses/the-logic-behind-music/

HOLIDAY SONGS 34


“MUSICIANS ARE NOT BORN THEY ARE MADE”

THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

Documents