Carols with Classics

10 Arrangements Combining Christmas Carols and Classical Favorites

By Thomas Fettke

I love this book! The arrangements are very well done with beautiful, unique harmonies. I will definitely be buying more of his music.

I have always liked the idea of classical pieces with hymns but never had any luck getting a good set of arrangements. This book is the only one I have found that I actually enjoy going back to in that genre. I liked how he changed things up from the...

usually keys and arranging styles because I get tired of playing the same sounding things. Plus it makes me practice and since I've been a teacher practice time has gone down the tubes. So all in all I would recommend it highly.

Fortunately, I first encountered this arranger's glorious compilation in "Christmas with a Velvet Touch." Had I started my musical association with Fettke's "Carols with Classics" I would not have gone any further with Fettke.Unfortunately, I agree with one of the previous reviewers. These arrangements just don't...

work. The "merging" of the carols with the classics is ham-handed. Sometimes I can even feel Fettke flail so that these songs come out nice and tidy.

One of my adult students brought this book to her lesson and we worked on the Away in a Manger/Brahms Lullaby combo. I found the interpretations lovely, with interesting harmonies that were still accessible to upper-intermediate level students. I think they are especially enjoyed by students who already...

have a familiarity with classical music, and enjoy melding them with Christmas carols.

I have really enjoyed this book. Not too difficult. I love the mixing of classical w/carols! The challenge is one of musicality.