- Pieces for Chorus with Orchestra (NOTE: Some of these pieces are now available in version for piano-only accompaniment.)
- Pieces for Orchestra alone (without Chorus)
- Patriotic Pops
INTRODUCTION TO MY HOLIDAY POPS MUSIC
In my growing series of Holiday Pops arrangements, my goal has been to transform the familiar carols of the season into something fresh and unexpected, so that audiences feel as if they are hearing these carols for the very first time. More than just "arrangements," my holiday pops music seeks to present the traditional carols in a completely new light by using fresh harmonies and orchestrations, inventive choral writing, and an extensive development of the original melodies.
If you'd like to learn more about my Holiday Pops music (or would like to commission a new arrangement), please contact me and I'd be happy to provide you with a demo CD and a perusal score for any piece you're interested in. Click here to read selected Quotes & Reviews of my Holiday Pops music.
PLEASE NOTE: My goal is to create NEW versions of some of the existing arrangements, so that these pieces may be performed with PIANO accompaniment, in order to accommodate choirs who do not have access to a full orchestra. So far, "Ding Dong! Merrily on High" is available in both full-orchestra AND piano-only accompanimental versions.
>> Go to Complete List of Holiday Pieces
MY BACKGROUND IN ARRANGING
Having studied first-hand with several of the most influential Hollywood composers and pops arrangers who have helped define the lush "Hollywood sound," I have attempted to create Holiday Pops arrangements that are lush, dramatic, and even somewhat "cinematic-sounding."
A major influence on my pops arranging was Angela Morley. She was truly a legend in the field of arranging and orchestrating, and I feel deeply honored to have studied privately with her. In addition to her brilliant orchestrations for many Hollywood movies (including the musical, "The Slipper and the Rose"), she also provided both John Williams and Keith Lockhart many wonderful arrangements for their Boston Pops concerts.
Another important mentor I was fortunate enough to study with was Joe Harnell, a celebrated film composer and also a frequent arranger for performers such as Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. Given his impressive credentials and experience in the world of pops arranging, I am deeply honored that he wrote the following comments about my holiday pops music:
"Peter, I'm anxious to endorse how much I admire your pops music — it's an absolute delight! I just love the imagination that you've put into these sparkling, charming pieces.
"Your 'Fantasia on Two Christmas Carols' is brilliant — fast and fun throughout. And I was deeply moved by your sensitive arrangement of 'O Holy Night' — it's got to be one of the best arrangements of this carol out there. And how could I be anything but totally blown away by the grandeur and power of your 'Garland of Carols'? A 'tour de force' if I ever heard one!
"I should also mention that I really enjoyed the playfulness and inventiveness of your 'Twelve Days of Christmas' arrangement. I have to admit I was surprised by how dramatically you've transformed this simple tune! This repetitive carol tends to 'drag' in a lot of arrangements I've heard, but in your hands it really sparkles with excitement, energy, and a top-notch orchestration. And what a great climax at the end! Very impressive, Peter!
"I hope that orchestras around the country will take note of these arrangements, because they're terrific!"
— Joe Harnell
Film Composer and Lecturer; Arranger for many celebrated singers, including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Beverly Sills
COMPLETE LIST OF HOLIDAY POPS MUSIC
Click on any of the following titles to learn more about that piece.
HOLIDAY POPS : CHORUS & ORCHESTRA
(NOTE: Some of these pieces are becoming available in versions for piano-only accompaniment. Look for this indication below.)
Away in a Manger
(ca. 4 mins.)
Deck the Halls
(ca. 2 mins.)
ALSO AVAILABLE IN A VERSION FOR CHOIR WITH PIANO-ONLY ACCOMPANIMENT
(ca. 4 mins.)
The First Nowell
(ca. 3 mins.)
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
(ca. 4 mins.)
I Saw Three Ships
(ca. 5 mins.)
O Come, All Ye Faithful
(ca. 5 mins.)
O Holy Night
(ca. 5 mins.)
The Twelve Days of Christmas
(ca. 4 mins.)
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
(ca. 3 mins.)
MEDLEY: Fantasia on Two Christmas Carols
(ca. 9 mins. — contains "I Saw Three Ships" and "Ding Dong! Merrily on High," either of which can be performed separately)
MEDLEY: A Garland of Carols
(ca. 17 mins. — contains "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "The First Nowell," "Deck the Halls," "Away in a Manger," and "O Come, All Ye Faithful," any of which can be performed separately)
HOLIDAY POPS : ORCHESTRA (WITHOUT CHORUS)
I Saw Three Ships Come Fiddling In
(ca. 2.5 minutes)
MEDLEY: A Festive Holiday (concert opener)
(ca. 6 mins. — This medley of eight carols is festive and fast-paced, and is designed as a fresh alternative to the traditional Anderson Festival.)
Our Land of Freedom — in the planning stages
(ca. 4-6 mins. — This piece will be a stirring tribute to America, scored for a large pops orchestra.)
