December

George Winston | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Windham Hill Records
• ASIN: B000000NFI
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (216 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,747 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #34 in Music > Indie Music > Pop > Adult Contemporary

Track Listings

1. Thanksgiving

2. Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head

3. Joy

4. Prelude

5. Carol of the Bells

6. Night: Part One: Snow

7. Night: Part Two: Midnight

8. Night: Part Three: Minstrels

9. Variations On The Kanon By Pachelbel

10. The Holly And The Ivy

11. Some Children See Him

12. Peace

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

December holds the distinction of single-handedly putting Windham Hill on the map and being the new age album most likely to find its way into music collections of all ilk. In spite of being relentlessly overplayed during the holidays, the solo piano recording has aged quite well. Winston shapes holiday war-horses and original compositions into a captivating contemporary statement. His spare, understated style captures the feel of the dark season, employing ample resonance to evoke a reflective spaciousness. The album's straightforward simplicity conveys both the celebration and quietude that characterize the best of the Yuletide spirit. --Richard Price

Product Description

Audio cd

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

91 of 95 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars from Solo Piano Publications November 5, 2001

By Kathy Parsons TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Even though "December" was recorded nineteen years ago, it is still by far my favorite George Winston album as well as an all-time favorite Christmas album. Recorded when "new age" music was barely emerging and Windham Hill was an experimental artists' label, this is one of a handful of albums that show just how good the music was when artists had more control of what went onto their albums. Art and innovation were more important than a quick buck, and "December" was able to be creative and original AND commercially successful. A true classic in the genres of new age music and holiday albums, this is a must-have CD. It includes Winston's arrangements of "Carol of the Bells", Pachelbel's "Canon in D", and "The Holly and The Ivy" as well as some lesser-known carols and several original pieces. This is an incredible album, and I give it my highest recommendation!

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite holiday "mood" albums October 2, 2002

By Joanna Daneman #1 HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

I have a hard time grasping that this album is 20 years old. But because these solo piano arrangements are classic holiday pieces, it never seems to age. In fact, I've had this for years, and I wore out a cassette tape of this before I replaced it with a CD.

The music is George Winston's solo piano arrangements of folk Christmas carols like "Greensleeves" and "The Holly and the Ivy", plus some classical tunes "Pachelbel's Canon" and his own compositions. My particular favorite is the usually-boring "Carol of the Bells," which is arranged wonderfully here.

If you like solo, modern piano and you like Christmas music, you might like this album as much as I do. I even play it when it's not Christmastime.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars George Winston's Best January 20, 2001

By T. B. Vick

Format:Audio CD

In the early 80's I first heard the song "Thanksgiving" on the Windham Hill 1982 or '84 Sampler (my memory escapes me right now). When I noticed who the artist was and the album from which the song was selected, I went and bought the cassette. I actually played this cassette until it could not longer play (thank goodness for CDs). So after I thoroughly wore out my cassette version I purchased the CD.

The great thing about this album, for me, is I never get tired of it. I have listened to these songs for the last 18 years and they always sound as if I am listening to them for the first time. The CD has a winter feel to it; quiet, peaceful, soothing, melodic, and clear. There is an inclusion of classical favorites such as Bach's "Joy," the traditional version of "Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head," and the traditional version of "Carol of the Bells," etc.

The music itself is very graceful and well defined. It is great music to have in the background when you read or study. I guess that is why I have enjoyed this music for so long. Actually, this CD also works well for the Christmas season or for listening all year round. George Winston is a wonderful piano player. His playing is filled with careful touch, strong emotional texture, and a style that grows on you every time you listen. I believe this is his best work produced, I highly recommend it, especially if you love classical, piano, and instrumental music.