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NOTE: This paperback book is NOT spiral-bound. Review by Kathy Parsons of Mainlypiano.com The Wondrous Gift is the companion sheet music to Jeff Bjorck's 2010 solo piano CD by the same name. All twelve Christmas carols are included and were transcribed note-for-note from the recording (I proofed them, so I know they are as close as possible to the CD). All of the songs are at an upper-intermediate/early- advanced level and are a joy to play. Playing instructions, dynamics, pedal markings, and metronome settings are all included, and the notation is clear and easy to read. There are no reaches of more than an octave and none of the key signatures are difficult (see below). Timing is pretty straight-forward, although some of the variations alter the traditional timing a bit to give a new interpretation. These beautiful arrangements are suitable for pretty much any holiday setting where a piano solo is appropriate. All of the songs are traditional sacred songs, and the arrangements don't vary too far from the melodies, although some have interesting interludes within the pieces. . . .Very highly recommended! The song titles are listed in alphabetical order, with the number of pages, and what key they are in: Away In a Manger - 7 pages - key of G major (1 sharp) Bring A Torch, Jeannette Isabella - 5 pages - key of A minor (0 sharps or flats)/ F major (1 flat) Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus - 7 pages - key of C (0 sharps or flats)/ D (2 sharps) Coventry Carol - 4 pages - key of A minor Hark, The Herald Angels Sing - 5 pages - key of F It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - 6 pages - key of Bb (2 flats)/ C O Come All Ye Faithful - 7 pages - key of G O Come, O Come Emmanuel - 6 pages - key of Eb/C minor (3 flats) O Holy Night - 5 pages - key of G O Little Town of Bethlehem - 7 pages - key of F/ Bb Silent Night - 3 pages - key of D What Child Is This? - 6 pages - F/D minor (1 flat)

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9781540588753

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"As an artist, Jeff Bjorck believes music in its purest form is sometimes the closest thing to art. Not surprisingly, his solo acoustic piano compositions paint a gallery of musical images suitable for framing. These original works interweave delicacy with intensity, combine musical notes with the space between them, and create moving pictures that move the emotions. Dr. Bjorck is somewhat of an expert on emotions. As a clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor at Fuller Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology, his multifaceted vocation typifies his ongoing passion for a Renaissance man's approach to life. Jeff's nontraditional method of composition has remained basically the same during the past forty-five years. He sits at the piano, plays spontaneously from the heart, and stops to develop any musical themes that surprise him. He confesses, ""Sometimes I feel like a third party, listening to the whole process as an interested observer!"" To Jeff, nature embodies God's ultimate artistic creativity and is frequently the subject of his portraits. Born to two artists, he began creating music at ten years old. He remarks, ""My faith and relationship with Jesus Christ provide vision and give my life its meaning. My creativity merely imitates the Creator."" He describes his compositions as ""quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world."" Listeners apparently agree. His music has provided reassuring focus for mothers in delivery, peaceful rest when insomnia comes knocking, and elegant ambiance at intimate wedding receptions and dinner parties. Jeff's music has also provided calming care to thousands of hospitalized children across the country. A CD containing eight of his most relaxing compositions was included in 75,000 Guideposts for Kids Comfort Kits distributed by Guideposts Outreach. He remarks, ""It is my hope that I can bring all my listeners emotional music with a classical feel that lifts them from the rat race and gently sets them down in a restful place, as far away from everyday chaos as possible."" Jeff currently has six CDs available, all produced on his independent Pure Piano Music label (BMI). When not working or enjoying time with his wife, Sharon, Jeff occasionally likes scaring their two cats with his clarinet renditions of '30s and '40s big band tunes. He also loves to seek creative inspiration for new music by hang gliding high above the mountains of Southern California."

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