The Christmas Tune I Hated…and Now Is My Favorite!

When I was a teenager, I sometimes substituted for the pianist at our church (who happened to be my mother). When not subbing, I was playing the second keyboard! All that to say….there was one Christmas piece that we both just hated. It was “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” I think it was the awkwardness of improvising in 6/8 with a bass line that changes 4 times every measure! Virtually impossible in my opinion to play that piece in a way I liked it!

Fast forward about 10 years. When I was creating arrangements for the All is Calm, All is Bright CD (which came before the book was published), I challenged myself to create an arrangement of “Midnight Clear” that I actually liked. But not just liked, one that I actually could love playing. A few time signatures later, I was so excited to say I had done it! Woo-hoo! Not only was it a piece that I liked, it was actually one that I loved and is still one of my favorites to play to this day. Here is a full recording! (the play button is on the right, not left)

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

This and 12 other unique arrangements are available in the All is Calm, All is Bright book. At the time of this post, I had 4 copies left, but sold out later in the day. However, a wonderful music store called Senseney Music has the book available and their stellar customer service would be happy to help you out! Order from Senseney here.

All is Calm, All is Bright Collection: