Search - Julie Rivers :: Tidings of Joy

From Solo Piano Publications

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 04/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Tidings of Joy" is an outstanding collection of seasonal pieces arranged by Eugenie Rocherolle and played by Julie Rivers on piano with original orchestrations and midi enhancements by Randy Wills. The pieces have a decidedly classical feel, but are by no means stiff or overly formal. Most of the selections are grouped into medleys, allowing thirty songs to be included. Julie Rivers has become one of my favorite pianists, with her warm and inviting playing style and brilliant technique. Very few of the carols are duplicated on this album and Julie's "Christmastide" (1999), which features her own arrangements of holiday favorites from around the world. Both are exceptional collections. I especially like the medley of "O Little Town of Bethlehem/What Child Is This?/We Three Kings." All three are minor-key pieces that flow together well and have a haunting quality. "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" is orchestrated with the piano in the forefront, and has a similar haunting mood - very beautiful! Another favorite medley is "The Sleep of the Infant Jesus/O Come, O Come, Emmanuel/It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" - very melancholy and utterly beautiful. "Jolly Old St. Nicholas/Jingle Bells" is probably played the way Mozart would have played them - joyful and full of fun!"