Mark Hayes Vocal Solo Collection: 10 Christmas Songs for Solo Voice - Medium High (Book Only)

For Concerts, Contests, Recitals, and Worship (Medium High Voice)

By Mark Hayes

It is hard to find Christmas music for soloists that are interesting and fresh--this collection has both. What both the singer and I (the accompanist) enjoyed in this volume was that the melody was faithful to the original carol while the piano part embellished and weaved around the singer...

. So many times you find that the singer's part is changed so much that the melody is almost unrecognizable while the piano part plunks boring chords. Highly recommend this collection.

This collection is less jazzy and more classical than other favorite Mark Hayes collections (e.g. his SPIRITUALS, and HYMNS) in this series. Interesting choices, e.g. The Coventry Carol is interwoven with Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring in the accompaniment. A very nice reworking of O Holy Night...

that remains classical but strikes me as more engaging than the traditional arrangements (and keeps the soloist in a more manageable vocal range). Well worth acquiring for the church music library.

Mark Hayes is a genius. Even if your playing skills are mediocre, you will still enjoy all of these settings. Both parts require attention to rhythm and dynamic detail. With conscientious preparation, you will have the best Christmas concert in town! Get this music and enjoy yourself!