Christmas Around the Piano
This collection of songs (here without words) are pieces normally associated with Christmas. But a good tune is a good tune, so for me they should be played / heard whenever one feels like it.
Leigh Harline composer
Mel Tormé composer
Walter Kent composer
Felix Bernard composer
Franz Xavier Gruber composer
John Frederick Coots composer
Irving Berlin composer
Robert May composer
Most of the tunes I remember in some form or other when I was a kid, played/sung by mum or dad on our very dodgy wooden framed upright piano. They learned and played them ‘by ear’ as they say; not one piece of sheet music in our house! But a lot of music.
My ‘hopeless’ romanticism compels me never to hurry through music, consequently these improvised versions are deliberately reflective. In that sense they invoke memories of family and friends in early years, but a reminder also that music is always a living breathing art form. Hope you always enjoy some peaceful and musical times.
Artist
Tony Gould
Pianist and composer Tony Gould is one of Australia’s most respected musicians. His career has encompassed many styles of music, including jazz and other improvisatory forms, as well as traditional and contemporary classical. For the past 50 years he has remained at the forefront of music education in Australia.
Audio previews
Track Listing
- Have yourself a merry little Christmas Hugh Martin 4:53
- When you wish upon a star Leigh Harline 5:57
- The Christmas song Mel Tormé 5:17
- I'll be home for Christmas Walter Kent 6:41
- God rest you merry gentlemen 3:41
- O Tannebaum 4:04
- Good King Wenceslas 4:10
- Winter wonderland Felix Bernard 3:06
- Silent night Franz Xavier Gruber 7:15
- Santa Claus is coming to town John Frederick Coots 3:54
- We wish you a merry Christmas 3:49
- White Christmas Irving Berlin 4:38
- Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Robert May 4:56
Performers
Composers
Where to listen
Christmas Around the Piano is available for streaming through Spotify and Apple Music. It can also be purchased through the iTunes Music Store.
Christmas Around the Piano is available as a CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer online ordering.
Product details
Related recordings
Where have you been all these years?
Capturing the joy of shared music-making, this sublime new release from Claire Patti (vocal/harp), Louise Godwin (cello), and Tony Gould (piano) is a tribute to musical friendship and admiration.
For Ever
The idea for this recording came about after the Alan Lee Quartet reunion concert on the closing night of the 2014 Stonnington Festival in Melbourne, which saw the vibraphonist in collaboration with old friends Ted Vining, Tony Gould and Derek Capewell.
…for Sonja
This recording is dedicated to Tony Gould's dear friend Sonja Krawatt. It is a collection of traditional and emotionally rich Jewish melodies. Cello and clarinet join Tony Gould's piano on some of the tracks.
Seasons of Love
This CD combines a jazz trio, a string orchestra, and various featured instrumental soloists, not to mention the vocal talents of Gian Slater and Eddie Perfect. Graeme Lyall has provided superbly rich arrangements of songs from the Great American Songbook in addition to other notable tunes.