December, Piano Solos: 20th Anniversary Edition [Enhanced, Extra tracks]

George Winston | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 16, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 1981
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced, Extra tracks
• Label: Windham Hill Records
• ASIN: B00005NNDO
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (217 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,602 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #2 in Music > Indie Music > Pop > Adult Contemporary
  • #10 in Music > Indie Music > Jazz > General
  • #11 in Music > Indie Music > New Age > General

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

13. A Christmas Song

14. Sleep Baby Mine

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A quintessential example of George Winston's "folk piano" style, December speaks to the spirit of the season. Mixing traditional carols, a couple of classical works, and his own originals, Winston drops notes with icy clarity into a winter silence, rippling through "Carol of Bells" and coaxing dark, introspective moods from his own suite, "Night." The pianist's liner notes are also a trip as he cites the numerous sources for his music. Who would've thought that the gentle melodies of "Peace" were inspired by the soundtrack to TV's The Outer Limits? This 20th anniversary edition, which includes two bonus tracks, is a vast sonic improvement over previous releases. --John Diliberto

Product Description

No Description Available
No Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: WINSTON,GEORGE
Title: DECEMBER
Street Release Date: 10/16/2001
Domestic
Genre: NEW AGE

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.