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December, Piano Solos: 20th Anniversary Edition | 
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| Artist: George Winston
Label: RCA Victor
Category: Music
List Price: $13.98
Buy New: $5.92
You Save: $8.06 (58%)
New (43) Used (14) Collectible (1) from $5.00
Rating:  64 reviews
Sales Rank: 213
Format: Enhanced, Extra Tracks
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.1
Dimensions (in): 5.5 x 4.9 x 0.3
MPN: 11611
UPC: 019341161127
EAN: 0019341161127
ASIN: B00005NNDO
Release Date: October 16, 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | Thanksgiving | | • | Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head | | • | Joy | | • | Prelude | | • | Carol Of The Bells | | • | Night-Part One: Snow | | • | Night-Part Two: Midnight | | • | Night-Part Three: Minstrels | | • | Variations On The Kanon By Pachelbel | | • | The Holly And The Ivy | | • | Some Children See Him | | • | Peace | | • | A Christmas Song | | • | Sleep Baby Mine |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com essential recording
December holds the distinction of single-handedly putting Windham Hill on the map and being the new age album most likely to find its way into music collections of all ilk. In spite of being relentlessly overplayed during the holidays, the solo piano recording has aged quite well. Winston shapes holiday war-horses and original compositions into a captivating contemporary statement. His spare, understated style captures the feel of the dark season, employing ample resonance to evoke a reflective spaciousness. The album's straightforward simplicity conveys both the celebration and quietude that characterize the best of the Yuletide spirit. --Richard Price
Amazon.com
A quintessential example of George Winston's "folk piano" style, December speaks to the spirit of the season. Mixing traditional carols, a couple of classical works, and his own originals, Winston drops notes with icy clarity into a winter silence, rippling through "Carol of Bells" and coaxing dark, introspective moods from his own suite, "Night." The pianist's liner notes are also a trip as he cites the numerous sources for his music. Who would've thought that the gentle melodies of "Peace" were inspired by the soundtrack to TV's The Outer Limits? This 20th anniversary edition, which includes two bonus tracks, is a vast sonic improvement over previous releases. --John Diliberto
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| Customer Reviews: Read 59 more reviews...
Absolute Christmas Essential November 17, 2008
What to begin to say about this album? First off....
"Thanksgiving": This song is ALWAYS the first thing I hear early Thanksgiving morning just before sunrise while the world is calm, quiet...and typically quite cold!...outside. This sets the tone and mood like nothing I've ever known.
I won't go into a complete review of each song (and I absolutely could), all I can really say is that I believe the most common trait amongst all of us here writing reviews for this album is that no matter where each passing year finds us, the collection of melodies (though that word barely does them justice) sincerely allows time for an end-of-year reflection. You simply cannot help but be swept up in what George has composed here, and for those of us that have known this album for quite some time now, that's an extremely unique and special thing to have in one's winter season rituals. George, you outta be paying me stiff for the endorsement(!!!), nonetheless, this album is beyond worth every cent. May it touch your life as it has ours. Enjoy, and God Bless.
Makes me think of frosty window panes and warm cider... November 10, 2008
I started listening to George Winston when I was 11 years old. I fell in love with his music then and continue to love it today, 20 years later. I own every CD in Winston's collection, but "December" is my all-time favorite.
The beauty of his music cannot be captured in words, and a true piano-phile would be the only person who could understand what it feels like to be given a private concert in your own living room. When I listen to "December", I imagine myself as a child tracing pictures in the frost on the window panes and watching the flame of my mother's cinnamon-scented oil lamp cast shadows on the wall. When he plays, it is not just one song but several simultaneously, and it's nearly impossible to imagine how one man alone can master the keys so effortlessly.
Track One, titled Thanksgiving, is my favorite. This song is soft, peaceful and reflective. I wept when he played it live at one of his winter concerts.
Christmas season starts after the turkey is on the table on Thanksgiving Day...and everyone is so grateful to be together as a family in the safety of a loving home. You can smell the bread, taste the cranberries and feel the warmth of the oven. My husband and I give our babies each a brand-new ornament to decorate the tree with that year, and we play George Winston because it makes me so incredibly happy, and so at peace.
Track Ten is a traditional favorite. The Holly and the Ivy is done cheerfully. It is an honorable rendition of the song, and the way Mr. Winston tickles the keys brings to life the beauty of the song.
I have also since heard Andy Williams' vocal version of "Some Children See Him". Now, both versions will spring tears to my eyes instantaneously. What is so incredulous is that George Winston does not realize the affect that he has made on peoples' lives. I grew up in a small town of 500 people. His music inspired me to travel beyond those borders - I knew there was more, and that things were bigger outside of the walls of that tiny village. For him, I am now a world-traveler, a speaker of multiple languages, and a lover of the arts. But I still fully appreciate what is simple and relevant.
All the songs included on the CD are beautiful & relaxing and most definitely put one in the mood for winter. A fireplace, a glass of wine or cocoa, a loved one's arm around your shoulder or a little one's hand wrapped around your finger. George Winston ties us all together as one for the love of his music - to which everyone can relate.
Any season is the right season for this December October 15, 2008
With the cooling weather of autumn, I was wont to begin thinking about the music of the upcoming seasons. I used to listen to this album many years ago but lost track of it. A couple of years ago I resupplied my music collection with this version. Winston's December is one of my all time favorites of the season, but I think December is so much more than music just for the autumn and early winter. Because it's so good I've found myself listening to December in March or April or July. This music is terrific for suiting a mellow mood, or helping on achieve such the mood. It really has the knack to bring some peace and tranquility into the home. But I don't find it be of a melancholy nature, just very, very pleasant, and a fine display of Winston's talents. December really is a piece of art to be enjoyed any time of year.
balm for your ears September 23, 2008
these are soft, stress relieving piano pieces including variations over classical orchestra pieces such as Pachelbel's canon in major transcribed for the piano. Put on this CD, lean back and close your eyes and you are in pleasent company for a CD's time. Only trouble is to avoid restarting the CD and lean back again!
 Never received the item September 13, 2008
0 out of 8 found this review helpful
I am very disappointed with the seller. The one CD I needed to listen to in order to choose music for my wedding in 2 weeks I didn't get. I paid for expedited shipping and haven't gotten a refund either!
I have owned this album on tape and always loved it. Also went to George Winston concert and he was amazing.
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