The original collection, 12 Sep 2008
It's difficult to believe that this little collection of 50 Christmas carols has been around for nearly 50 years. It contains versions of most carols that choirs are likely to want to sing, in a compact and light volume that is clearly printed and easy to navigate.

Those who want an even more comprehensive - and weighty - collection should investigate "100 Carols for Choirs" which features the most popular pieces from all 4 volumes in this series, but there is still plenty to enjoy here, in an edition which pre-dates John Rutter's involvement (either a good or a bad thing, depending upon your viewpoint).

There is even a service of Nine Lessons with Carols included as an appendix for your use. The book originally was accompanied by an LP with selected choirs; I wonder if my copy is worth anything?

Highly recommended.

The most amazing book of Carols!, 13 Aug 2007
If you want some of the best chugging organ music and quality harmonies for traditional Christmas Carols then this is the best. The other books are good too, but book one is by far the best. Just amazing!

The staple of many choirs Christmas services, 13 Nov 2001
I've been singing from this book with various choirs since the age of 11. It's got most of the favourites and often has interesting harmonies for the parts other than soprano.

The original collection, 12 Sep 2008
It's difficult to believe that this little collection of 50 Christmas carols has been around for nearly 50 years. It contains versions of most carols that choirs are likely to want to sing, in a compact and light volume that is clearly printed and easy to navigate.

Those who want an even more comprehensive - and weighty - collection should investigate "100 Carols for Choirs" which features the most popular pieces from all 4 volumes in this series, but there is still plenty to enjoy here, in an edition which pre-dates John Rutter's involvement (either a good or a bad thing, depending upon your viewpoint).

There is even a service of Nine Lessons with Carols included as an appendix for your use. The book originally was accompanied by an LP with selected choirs; I wonder if my copy is worth anything?

Highly recommended.

The most amazing book of Carols!, 13 Aug 2007
If you want some of the best chugging organ music and quality harmonies for traditional Christmas Carols then this is the best. The other books are good too, but book one is by far the best. Just amazing!

The staple of many choirs Christmas services, 13 Nov 2001
I've been singing from this book with various choirs since the age of 11. It's got most of the favourites and often has interesting harmonies for the parts other than soprano.

Simply the best carol book that there is, 11 Sep 2008
If you are looking for a single carol book that will cover the centuries and countries, contain all of the best-loved carols in eminently singable arrangements, and provide you with excellent repertoire for years to come, then look no further. This is it.

It's excellent value for money, and should be on every choir-master and chorister's shelf.

My favourite arrangement in it has to be David Willcocks' fantastic version of "Lo, he comes, with clouds descending" which has a simply sublime final verse.

Wonderful stuff.

Classic arrangements, 12 Dec 2006
Not only does this book help festive anthems reach ears everywhere in spectacular arrangement, it reminds me personally of my choir days. No gripes, all choirs should use this book, Rutter and Wilcocks' arrangements are both intelligent and traditionally festive.
Get it.


The best mix of Carols for Easter & Christmas available!, 16 Mar 2002
This book is really the best mix of carols on the market from the books Carols for Choirs 1, 2 and 3. Any amateur or professional choir can use this book because it has so many known and slightly unknown carols which provide any audience with a good mix of music on a generalised theme.

Carols for Choir is the most beautiful music, 31 Dec 1998
This is the first time that I am able to find so many Christmas Carol for Choir which is my favorite music during the whole year. I would like to see more information about the songs contained, and the title of the songs.

The original collection, 12 Sep 2008
It's difficult to believe that this little collection of 50 Christmas carols has been around for nearly 50 years. It contains versions of most carols that choirs are likely to want to sing, in a compact and light volume that is clearly printed and easy to navigate.

Those who want an even more comprehensive - and weighty - collection should investigate "100 Carols for Choirs" which features the most popular pieces from all 4 volumes in this series, but there is still plenty to enjoy here, in an edition which pre-dates John Rutter's involvement (either a good or a bad thing, depending upon your viewpoint).

There is even a service of Nine Lessons with Carols included as an appendix for your use. The book originally was accompanied by an LP with selected choirs; I wonder if my copy is worth anything?

Highly recommended.

The most amazing book of Carols!, 13 Aug 2007
If you want some of the best chugging organ music and quality harmonies for traditional Christmas Carols then this is the best. The other books are good too, but book one is by far the best. Just amazing!

The staple of many choirs Christmas services, 13 Nov 2001
I've been singing from this book with various choirs since the age of 11. It's got most of the favourites and often has interesting harmonies for the parts other than soprano.

Simply the best carol book that there is, 11 Sep 2008
If you are looking for a single carol book that will cover the centuries and countries, contain all of the best-loved carols in eminently singable arrangements, and provide you with excellent repertoire for years to come, then look no further. This is it.

It's excellent value for money, and should be on every choir-master and chorister's shelf.

My favourite arrangement in it has to be David Willcocks' fantastic version of "Lo, he comes, with clouds descending" which has a simply sublime final verse.

Wonderful stuff.

Classic arrangements, 12 Dec 2006
Not only does this book help festive anthems reach ears everywhere in spectacular arrangement, it reminds me personally of my choir days. No gripes, all choirs should use this book, Rutter and Wilcocks' arrangements are both intelligent and traditionally festive.
Get it.


The best mix of Carols for Easter & Christmas available!, 16 Mar 2002
This book is really the best mix of carols on the market from the books Carols for Choirs 1, 2 and 3. Any amateur or professional choir can use this book because it has so many known and slightly unknown carols which provide any audience with a good mix of music on a generalised theme.

Carols for Choir is the most beautiful music, 31 Dec 1998
This is the first time that I am able to find so many Christmas Carol for Choir which is my favorite music during the whole year. I would like to see more information about the songs contained, and the title of the songs.

Excellent selection of varied carols for all ages, 31 Oct 2001
This book has been well laid out and is easy to read and follow the music. The selection of caols will appeal to many, both old and young. It is used in our school choir for the boys as well as the adults.

The original collection, 12 Sep 2008
It's difficult to believe that this little collection of 50 Christmas carols has been around for nearly 50 years. It contains versions of most carols that choirs are likely to want to sing, in a compact and light volume that is clearly printed and easy to navigate.

Those who want an even more comprehensive - and weighty - collection should investigate "100 Carols for Choirs" which features the most popular pieces from all 4 volumes in this series, but there is still plenty to enjoy here, in an edition which pre-dates John Rutter's involvement (either a good or a bad thing, depending upon your viewpoint).

There is even a service of Nine Lessons with Carols included as an appendix for your use. The book originally was accompanied by an LP with selected choirs; I wonder if my copy is worth anything?

Highly recommended.

The most amazing book of Carols!, 13 Aug 2007
If you want some of the best chugging organ music and quality harmonies for traditional Christmas Carols then this is the best. The other books are good too, but book one is by far the best. Just amazing!

The staple of many choirs Christmas services, 13 Nov 2001
I've been singing from this book with various choirs since the age of 11. It's got most of the favourites and often has interesting harmonies for the parts other than soprano.

Simply the best carol book that there is, 11 Sep 2008
If you are looking for a single carol book that will cover the centuries and countries, contain all of the best-loved carols in eminently singable arrangements, and provide you with excellent repertoire for years to come, then look no further. This is it.

It's excellent value for money, and should be on every choir-master and chorister's shelf.

My favourite arrangement in it has to be David Willcocks' fantastic version of "Lo, he comes, with clouds descending" which has a simply sublime final verse.

Wonderful stuff.

Classic arrangements, 12 Dec 2006
Not only does this book help festive anthems reach ears everywhere in spectacular arrangement, it reminds me personally of my choir days. No gripes, all choirs should use this book, Rutter and Wilcocks' arrangements are both intelligent and traditionally festive.
Get it.


The best mix of Carols for Easter & Christmas available!, 16 Mar 2002
This book is really the best mix of carols on the market from the books Carols for Choirs 1, 2 and 3. Any amateur or professional choir can use this book because it has so many known and slightly unknown carols which provide any audience with a good mix of music on a generalised theme.

Carols for Choir is the most beautiful music, 31 Dec 1998
This is the first time that I am able to find so many Christmas Carol for Choir which is my favorite music during the whole year. I would like to see more information about the songs contained, and the title of the songs.

Excellent selection of varied carols for all ages, 31 Oct 2001
This book has been well laid out and is easy to read and follow the music. The selection of caols will appeal to many, both old and young. It is used in our school choir for the boys as well as the adults.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

The original collection, 12 Sep 2008
It's difficult to believe that this little collection of 50 Christmas carols has been around for nearly 50 years. It contains versions of most carols that choirs are likely to want to sing, in a compact and light volume that is clearly printed and easy to navigate.

Those who want an even more comprehensive - and weighty - collection should investigate "100 Carols for Choirs" which features the most popular pieces from all 4 volumes in this series, but there is still plenty to enjoy here, in an edition which pre-dates John Rutter's involvement (either a good or a bad thing, depending upon your viewpoint).

There is even a service of Nine Lessons with Carols included as an appendix for your use. The book originally was accompanied by an LP with selected choirs; I wonder if my copy is worth anything?

Highly recommended.

The most amazing book of Carols!, 13 Aug 2007
If you want some of the best chugging organ music and quality harmonies for traditional Christmas Carols then this is the best. The other books are good too, but book one is by far the best. Just amazing!

The staple of many choirs Christmas services, 13 Nov 2001
I've been singing from this book with various choirs since the age of 11. It's got most of the favourites and often has interesting harmonies for the parts other than soprano.

Simply the best carol book that there is, 11 Sep 2008
If you are looking for a single carol book that will cover the centuries and countries, contain all of the best-loved carols in eminently singable arrangements, and provide you with excellent repertoire for years to come, then look no further. This is it.

It's excellent value for money, and should be on every choir-master and chorister's shelf.

My favourite arrangement in it has to be David Willcocks' fantastic version of "Lo, he comes, with clouds descending" which has a simply sublime final verse.

Wonderful stuff.

Classic arrangements, 12 Dec 2006
Not only does this book help festive anthems reach ears everywhere in spectacular arrangement, it reminds me personally of my choir days. No gripes, all choirs should use this book, Rutter and Wilcocks' arrangements are both intelligent and traditionally festive.
Get it.


The best mix of Carols for Easter & Christmas available!, 16 Mar 2002
This book is really the best mix of carols on the market from the books Carols for Choirs 1, 2 and 3. Any amateur or professional choir can use this book because it has so many known and slightly unknown carols which provide any audience with a good mix of music on a generalised theme.

Carols for Choir is the most beautiful music, 31 Dec 1998
This is the first time that I am able to find so many Christmas Carol for Choir which is my favorite music during the whole year. I would like to see more information about the songs contained, and the title of the songs.

Excellent selection of varied carols for all ages, 31 Oct 2001
This book has been well laid out and is easy to read and follow the music. The selection of caols will appeal to many, both old and young. It is used in our school choir for the boys as well as the adults.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

A must have, 04 Nov 2008
What an amazing read. Opened my mind to the trials and tribulations of the band. Excellently written. You must have this book

The original collection, 12 Sep 2008
It's difficult to believe that this little collection of 50 Christmas carols has been around for nearly 50 years. It contains versions of most carols that choirs are likely to want to sing, in a compact and light volume that is clearly printed and easy to navigate.

Those who want an even more comprehensive - and weighty - collection should investigate "100 Carols for Choirs" which features the most popular pieces from all 4 volumes in this series, but there is still plenty to enjoy here, in an edition which pre-dates John Rutter's involvement (either a good or a bad thing, depending upon your viewpoint).

There is even a service of Nine Lessons with Carols included as an appendix for your use. The book originally was accompanied by an LP with selected choirs; I wonder if my copy is worth anything?

Highly recommended.

The most amazing book of Carols!, 13 Aug 2007
If you want some of the best chugging organ music and quality harmonies for traditional Christmas Carols then this is the best. The other books are good too, but book one is by far the best. Just amazing!

The staple of many choirs Christmas services, 13 Nov 2001
I've been singing from this book with various choirs since the age of 11. It's got most of the favourites and often has interesting harmonies for the parts other than soprano.

Simply the best carol book that there is, 11 Sep 2008
If you are looking for a single carol book that will cover the centuries and countries, contain all of the best-loved carols in eminently singable arrangements, and provide you with excellent repertoire for years to come, then look no further. This is it.

It's excellent value for money, and should be on every choir-master and chorister's shelf.

My favourite arrangement in it has to be David Willcocks' fantastic version of "Lo, he comes, with clouds descending" which has a simply sublime final verse.

Wonderful stuff.

Classic arrangements, 12 Dec 2006
Not only does this book help festive anthems reach ears everywhere in spectacular arrangement, it reminds me personally of my choir days. No gripes, all choirs should use this book, Rutter and Wilcocks' arrangements are both intelligent and traditionally festive.
Get it.


The best mix of Carols for Easter & Christmas available!, 16 Mar 2002
This book is really the best mix of carols on the market from the books Carols for Choirs 1, 2 and 3. Any amateur or professional choir can use this book because it has so many known and slightly unknown carols which provide any audience with a good mix of music on a generalised theme.

Carols for Choir is the most beautiful music, 31 Dec 1998
This is the first time that I am able to find so many Christmas Carol for Choir which is my favorite music during the whole year. I would like to see more information about the songs contained, and the title of the songs.

Excellent selection of varied carols for all ages, 31 Oct 2001
This book has been well laid out and is easy to read and follow the music. The selection of caols will appeal to many, both old and young. It is used in our school choir for the boys as well as the adults.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

A must have, 04 Nov 2008
What an amazing read. Opened my mind to the trials and tribulations of the band. Excellently written. You must have this book

simplified and easy to play , 28 Aug 2008
This book does what the title says - it shows you the piano music and lyrics for all the well known Abba songs, in a very easy to read format. I learnt to play 20 years ago and have only just taken up the piano again. I have a proper Abba music book from the 80's but as I'm so out of practice I can't even begin to tackle the proper notation. This book cuts out some of the intros to the songs (a bit of shame eg SOS) and keeps the notation to one note per hand instead of three or more notes per hand. It is simple enough for a virtual beginner to play their favourite Abba track and sing along at the same time. (My 7 year old even had a go tonight). This book is for someone who wants a bit of fun and enjoyment in playing Abba songs - not for the die hard pianist.

The original collection, 12 Sep 2008
It's difficult to believe that this little collection of 50 Christmas carols has been around for nearly 50 years. It contains versions of most carols that choirs are likely to want to sing, in a compact and light volume that is clearly printed and easy to navigate.

Those who want an even more comprehensive - and weighty - collection should investigate "100 Carols for Choirs" which features the most popular pieces from all 4 volumes in this series, but there is still plenty to enjoy here, in an edition which pre-dates John Rutter's involvement (either a good or a bad thing, depending upon your viewpoint).

There is even a service of Nine Lessons with Carols included as an appendix for your use. The book originally was accompanied by an LP with selected choirs; I wonder if my copy is worth anything?

Highly recommended.

The most amazing book of Carols!, 13 Aug 2007
If you want some of the best chugging organ music and quality harmonies for traditional Christmas Carols then this is the best. The other books are good too, but book one is by far the best. Just amazing!

The staple of many choirs Christmas services, 13 Nov 2001
I've been singing from this book with various choirs since the age of 11. It's got most of the favourites and often has interesting harmonies for the parts other than soprano.

Simply the best carol book that there is, 11 Sep 2008
If you are looking for a single carol book that will cover the centuries and countries, contain all of the best-loved carols in eminently singable arrangements, and provide you with excellent repertoire for years to come, then look no further. This is it.

It's excellent value for money, and should be on every choir-master and chorister's shelf.

My favourite arrangement in it has to be David Willcocks' fantastic version of "Lo, he comes, with clouds descending" which has a simply sublime final verse.

Wonderful stuff.

Classic arrangements, 12 Dec 2006
Not only does this book help festive anthems reach ears everywhere in spectacular arrangement, it reminds me personally of my choir days. No gripes, all choirs should use this book, Rutter and Wilcocks' arrangements are both intelligent and traditionally festive.
Get it.


The best mix of Carols for Easter & Christmas available!, 16 Mar 2002
This book is really the best mix of carols on the market from the books Carols for Choirs 1, 2 and 3. Any amateur or professional choir can use this book because it has so many known and slightly unknown carols which provide any audience with a good mix of music on a generalised theme.

Carols for Choir is the most beautiful music, 31 Dec 1998
This is the first time that I am able to find so many Christmas Carol for Choir which is my favorite music during the whole year. I would like to see more information about the songs contained, and the title of the songs.

Excellent selection of varied carols for all ages, 31 Oct 2001
This book has been well laid out and is easy to read and follow the music. The selection of caols will appeal to many, both old and young. It is used in our school choir for the boys as well as the adults.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

A must have, 04 Nov 2008
What an amazing read. Opened my mind to the trials and tribulations of the band. Excellently written. You must have this book

simplified and easy to play , 28 Aug 2008
This book does what the title says - it shows you the piano music and lyrics for all the well known Abba songs, in a very easy to read format. I learnt to play 20 years ago and have only just taken up the piano again. I have a proper Abba music book from the 80's but as I'm so out of practice I can't even begin to tackle the proper notation. This book cuts out some of the intros to the songs (a bit of shame eg SOS) and keeps the notation to one note per hand instead of three or more notes per hand. It is simple enough for a virtual beginner to play their favourite Abba track and sing along at the same time. (My 7 year old even had a go tonight). This book is for someone who wants a bit of fun and enjoyment in playing Abba songs - not for the die hard pianist.

Their History, 19 Nov 2008
I first got into Led Zep somewhere between their third and forth album, reading music magazines `Sounds` and `New Musical Express for years I knew almost everything about the group even though , they didnt talk to the press unless they had something big to discuss! I stopped buying the press weekleys after `Sounds` scribe Geoff (deaf) Barton started Kerrang!. so back to this book, yes its good and although I have seen 95% of the photos and read 95% of the interviews etc . there is a comprehensive review of each album and lots of informative information. still good to have this kind of scrap book style large heavy book! there are a lot more bands out there that should follow this format..Its also great to see a lot of bootleg covers, albums I know about but have never seen. Heard about five and some are great some are a waste of vinyl...This is a very good history Not the heaviest, they at the time were the BEST

Beautiful.........for the coffee table, 03 Nov 2008
Great book. Great pictures. Some pretty rare ones. Only the occasional mistake usually in the dates/venues for the pictures. Good text covering the essentials of the bands history.
After a run of poor books on the band I would recommend this to the whole fan spectrum, from casual to serious.

The original collection, 12 Sep 2008
It's difficult to believe that this little collection of 50 Christmas carols has been around for nearly 50 years. It contains versions of most carols that choirs are likely to want to sing, in a compact and light volume that is clearly printed and easy to navigate.

Those who want an even more comprehensive - and weighty - collection should investigate "100 Carols for Choirs" which features the most popular pieces from all 4 volumes in this series, but there is still plenty to enjoy here, in an edition which pre-dates John Rutter's involvement (either a good or a bad thing, depending upon your viewpoint).

There is even a service of Nine Lessons with Carols included as an appendix for your use. The book originally was accompanied by an LP with selected choirs; I wonder if my copy is worth anything?

Highly recommended.

The most amazing book of Carols!, 13 Aug 2007
If you want some of the best chugging organ music and quality harmonies for traditional Christmas Carols then this is the best. The other books are good too, but book one is by far the best. Just amazing!

The staple of many choirs Christmas services, 13 Nov 2001
I've been singing from this book with various choirs since the age of 11. It's got most of the favourites and often has interesting harmonies for the parts other than soprano.

Simply the best carol book that there is, 11 Sep 2008
If you are looking for a single carol book that will cover the centuries and countries, contain all of the best-loved carols in eminently singable arrangements, and provide you with excellent repertoire for years to come, then look no further. This is it.

It's excellent value for money, and should be on every choir-master and chorister's shelf.

My favourite arrangement in it has to be David Willcocks' fantastic version of "Lo, he comes, with clouds descending" which has a simply sublime final verse.

Wonderful stuff.

Classic arrangements, 12 Dec 2006
Not only does this book help festive anthems reach ears everywhere in spectacular arrangement, it reminds me personally of my choir days. No gripes, all choirs should use this book, Rutter and Wilcocks' arrangements are both intelligent and traditionally festive.
Get it.


The best mix of Carols for Easter & Christmas available!, 16 Mar 2002
This book is really the best mix of carols on the market from the books Carols for Choirs 1, 2 and 3. Any amateur or professional choir can use this book because it has so many known and slightly unknown carols which provide any audience with a good mix of music on a generalised theme.

Carols for Choir is the most beautiful music, 31 Dec 1998
This is the first time that I am able to find so many Christmas Carol for Choir which is my favorite music during the whole year. I would like to see more information about the songs contained, and the title of the songs.

Excellent selection of varied carols for all ages, 31 Oct 2001
This book has been well laid out and is easy to read and follow the music. The selection of caols will appeal to many, both old and young. It is used in our school choir for the boys as well as the adults.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

A must have, 04 Nov 2008
What an amazing read. Opened my mind to the trials and tribulations of the band. Excellently written. You must have this book

simplified and easy to play , 28 Aug 2008
This book does what the title says - it shows you the piano music and lyrics for all the well known Abba songs, in a very easy to read format. I learnt to play 20 years ago and have only just taken up the piano again. I have a proper Abba music book from the 80's but as I'm so out of practice I can't even begin to tackle the proper notation. This book cuts out some of the intros to the songs (a bit of shame eg SOS) and keeps the notation to one note per hand instead of three or more notes per hand. It is simple enough for a virtual beginner to play their favourite Abba track and sing along at the same time. (My 7 year old even had a go tonight). This book is for someone who wants a bit of fun and enjoyment in playing Abba songs - not for the die hard pianist.

Their History, 19 Nov 2008
I first got into Led Zep somewhere between their third and forth album, reading music magazines `Sounds` and `New Musical Express for years I knew almost everything about the group even though , they didnt talk to the press unless they had something big to discuss! I stopped buying the press weekleys after `Sounds` scribe Geoff (deaf) Barton started Kerrang!. so back to this book, yes its good and although I have seen 95% of the photos and read 95% of the interviews etc . there is a comprehensive review of each album and lots of informative information. still good to have this kind of scrap book style large heavy book! there are a lot more bands out there that should follow this format..Its also great to see a lot of bootleg covers, albums I know about but have never seen. Heard about five and some are great some are a waste of vinyl...This is a very good history Not the heaviest, they at the time were the BEST

Beautiful.........for the coffee table, 03 Nov 2008
Great book. Great pictures. Some pretty rare ones. Only the occasional mistake usually in the dates/venues for the pictures. Good text covering the essentials of the bands history.
After a run of poor books on the band I would recommend this to the whole fan spectrum, from casual to serious.

'Messiah' : Aspects to know before buying. , 12 Nov 2008
This 264 page Watkins Shaw edition, popular for performances, is good, clearly set out and easy to read for both those new to 'Messiah' and the experienced requiring a copy of this edition.
BUT, it is thick (about 15mm), and hence relatively heavy due partly to a lengthy Preface but more so to its 33 page Appendix! It can make the arms ache when involved in a full performance, particularly when one has to stand for most of it!!
On the plus side, the current Amazon discounted price for a copy, with free p&p, is very attractive.

The original collection, 12 Sep 2008
It's difficult to believe that this little collection of 50 Christmas carols has been around for nearly 50 years. It contains versions of most carols that choirs are likely to want to sing, in a compact and light volume that is clearly printed and easy to navigate.

Those who want an even more comprehensive - and weighty - collection should investigate "100 Carols for Choirs" which features the most popular pieces from all 4 volumes in this series, but there is still plenty to enjoy here, in an edition which pre-dates John Rutter's involvement (either a good or a bad thing, depending upon your viewpoint).

There is even a service of Nine Lessons with Carols included as an appendix for your use. The book originally was accompanied by an LP with selected choirs; I wonder if my copy is worth anything?

Highly recommended.

The most amazing book of Carols!, 13 Aug 2007
If you want some of the best chugging organ music and quality harmonies for traditional Christmas Carols then this is the best. The other books are good too, but book one is by far the best. Just amazing!

The staple of many choirs Christmas services, 13 Nov 2001
I've been singing from this book with various choirs since the age of 11. It's got most of the favourites and often has interesting harmonies for the parts other than soprano.

Simply the best carol book that there is, 11 Sep 2008
If you are looking for a single carol book that will cover the centuries and countries, contain all of the best-loved carols in eminently singable arrangements, and provide you with excellent repertoire for years to come, then look no further. This is it.

It's excellent value for money, and should be on every choir-master and chorister's shelf.

My favourite arrangement in it has to be David Willcocks' fantastic version of "Lo, he comes, with clouds descending" which has a simply sublime final verse.

Wonderful stuff.

Classic arrangements, 12 Dec 2006
Not only does this book help festive anthems reach ears everywhere in spectacular arrangement, it reminds me personally of my choir days. No gripes, all choirs should use this book, Rutter and Wilcocks' arrangements are both intelligent and traditionally festive.
Get it.


The best mix of Carols for Easter & Christmas available!, 16 Mar 2002
This book is really the best mix of carols on the market from the books Carols for Choirs 1, 2 and 3. Any amateur or professional choir can use this book because it has so many known and slightly unknown carols which provide any audience with a good mix of music on a generalised theme.

Carols for Choir is the most beautiful music, 31 Dec 1998
This is the first time that I am able to find so many Christmas Carol for Choir which is my favorite music during the whole year. I would like to see more information about the songs contained, and the title of the songs.

Excellent selection of varied carols for all ages, 31 Oct 2001
This book has been well laid out and is easy to read and follow the music. The selection of caols will appeal to many, both old and young. It is used in our school choir for the boys as well as the adults.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

A must have, 04 Nov 2008
What an amazing read. Opened my mind to the trials and tribulations of the band. Excellently written. You must have this book

simplified and easy to play , 28 Aug 2008
This book does what the title says - it shows you the piano music and lyrics for all the well known Abba songs, in a very easy to read format. I learnt to play 20 years ago and have only just taken up the piano again. I have a proper Abba music book from the 80's but as I'm so out of practice I can't even begin to tackle the proper notation. This book cuts out some of the intros to the songs (a bit of shame eg SOS) and keeps the notation to one note per hand instead of three or more notes per hand. It is simple enough for a virtual beginner to play their favourite Abba track and sing along at the same time. (My 7 year old even had a go tonight). This book is for someone who wants a bit of fun and enjoyment in playing Abba songs - not for the die hard pianist.

Their History, 19 Nov 2008
I first got into Led Zep somewhere between their third and forth album, reading music magazines `Sounds` and `New Musical Express for years I knew almost everything about the group even though , they didnt talk to the press unless they had something big to discuss! I stopped buying the press weekleys after `Sounds` scribe Geoff (deaf) Barton started Kerrang!. so back to this book, yes its good and although I have seen 95% of the photos and read 95% of the interviews etc . there is a comprehensive review of each album and lots of informative information. still good to have this kind of scrap book style large heavy book! there are a lot more bands out there that should follow this format..Its also great to see a lot of bootleg covers, albums I know about but have never seen. Heard about five and some are great some are a waste of vinyl...This is a very good history Not the heaviest, they at the time were the BEST

Beautiful.........for the coffee table, 03 Nov 2008
Great book. Great pictures. Some pretty rare ones. Only the occasional mistake usually in the dates/venues for the pictures. Good text covering the essentials of the bands history.
After a run of poor books on the band I would recommend this to the whole fan spectrum, from casual to serious.

'Messiah' : Aspects to know before buying. , 12 Nov 2008
This 264 page Watkins Shaw edition, popular for performances, is good, clearly set out and easy to read for both those new to 'Messiah' and the experienced requiring a copy of this edition.
BUT, it is thick (about 15mm), and hence relatively heavy due partly to a lengthy Preface but more so to its 33 page Appendix! It can make the arms ache when involved in a full performance, particularly when one has to stand for most of it!!
On the plus side, the current Amazon discounted price for a copy, with free p&p, is very attractive.

A book everyone should read, 25 Sep 2008
This is a true story based on the life of Mark 'E' Everett, the man behind alt rock band Eels and is an absolutely beautiful read. The book follows his life from early childhood up to the present day, giving real insight into his personal life and the stories behind his albums, which invariably intertwine.

This isn't your run-of-the-mill rock star biography about a troubled teen that pours out his anger and frustrations through his music and then finds fame. Instead, it's a dark, frank, humorous, sad, yet ultimately positive story about how difficult life and the music industry can be and how E has had to deal with both. His sincere honesty and genuine descriptions of the tragedies he has been confronted with during his life, and how he's dealt with them, really provoke an emotional reaction that I've not experienced from reading other books.

It's difficult to express quite how tragic E's life has been, yet he manages to adopt a positive point of view that yes, it's been tough, but you know what, this means I'm really living my life and these trials are sent to make me stronger. The book really makes you think about how lucky you are and also about how to deal with and look at the positives of even the worst experiences.

Eels fans will no doubt love 'Things the Grandchildren Should Know'; however I wasn't a huge Eels fan before reading this book and don't be put off if you're not familiar with his music. It really doesn't matter; however during or after reading the book, it's difficult not to listen to some of the songs that he talks about. My appreciation for Eels and E as a person have increased quite considerably since reading the book and now I'm a huge convert.

Simply ther best, 19 Sep 2008
I agree with the reviewers who say that this is the best rock biography ever written, but it is much more than that. Although E's family was clearly an unusual and pretty dysfunctional one, the story he tells about growing up in suburban America makes great reading even if he had never become a rock star and even if he hadn't had a famous quantum physicist father who invented the idea of parallel universes. It really ought to be made into a movie! Anyone who is interested in what America was like in the 1960s and 1970s will enjoy it even if they have never heard of Eels. It's certainly different from The Wonder Years.

Great even without the music, 17 Sep 2008
I don't agree with reviewers who say you need to be an Eels fan to enjoy this book. I barely knew Eels at all, and I came to the book because of my interest in quantum physics and Mark Everett's father (see, for example, In Search of Schrodinger's Cat). I found it to be a terrific read full of insights about growing up in America. And THEN I bought a couple of Eels albums, which are also great.

you need to buy this!, 20 Apr 2008
hands down the best book i have ever read in my life. a must have for any eels fan, this book will put you through every emotion possible, i am generally a very detached person but i had a tear in my eye when he writes about his sister and mother's death. if your not into emotional stuff dont be put off by that, this book made me laugh loads as it is full of witty antidotes which had me laughing out loud, this book adds even more meaning to all his songs and you understand where lyrics came from and what was going on in his life when he wrote them. It was such a great experience to hear "the chet" (eels guitarist) read out parts of the book when i went to see them live at the Birmingham town hall. A must have, i rate this very highly!!! (eels rock)

One of the best books I've ever read, 14 Apr 2008
He's always been one of the most honest lyricists and his writing here is no different. Unflinchingly blunt about the personal tragedies in his life and the seemingly countless misfortunes he has witnessed, he somehow weaves them all into a life-affirming and at times, blackly comic memoir. I love his music, his live shows are mesmerising and now I'm a fan of his book.

The original collection, 12 Sep 2008
It's difficult to believe that this little collection of 50 Christmas carols has been around for nearly 50 years. It contains versions of most carols that choirs are likely to want to sing, in a compact and light volume that is clearly printed and easy to navigate.

Those who want an even more comprehensive - and weighty - collection should investigate "100 Carols for Choirs" which features the most popular pieces from all 4 volumes in this series, but there is still plenty to enjoy here, in an edition which pre-dates John Rutter's involvement (either a good or a bad thing, depending upon your viewpoint).

There is even a service of Nine Lessons with Carols included as an appendix for your use. The book originally was accompanied by an LP with selected choirs; I wonder if my copy is worth anything?

Highly recommended.

The most amazing book of Carols!, 13 Aug 2007
If you want some of the best chugging organ music and quality harmonies for traditional Christmas Carols then this is the best. The other books are good too, but book one is by far the best. Just amazing!

The staple of many choirs Christmas services, 13 Nov 2001
I've been singing from this book with various choirs since the age of 11. It's got most of the favourites and often has interesting harmonies for the parts other than soprano.

Simply the best carol book that there is, 11 Sep 2008
If you are looking for a single carol book that will cover the centuries and countries, contain all of the best-loved carols in eminently singable arrangements, and provide you with excellent repertoire for years to come, then look no further. This is it.

It's excellent value for money, and should be on every choir-master and chorister's shelf.

My favourite arrangement in it has to be David Willcocks' fantastic version of "Lo, he comes, with clouds descending" which has a simply sublime final verse.

Wonderful stuff.

Classic arrangements, 12 Dec 2006
Not only does this book help festive anthems reach ears everywhere in spectacular arrangement, it reminds me personally of my choir days. No gripes, all choirs should use this book, Rutter and Wilcocks' arrangements are both intelligent and traditionally festive.
Get it.


The best mix of Carols for Easter & Christmas available!, 16 Mar 2002
This book is really the best mix of carols on the market from the books Carols for Choirs 1, 2 and 3. Any amateur or professional choir can use this book because it has so many known and slightly unknown carols which provide any audience with a good mix of music on a generalised theme.

Carols for Choir is the most beautiful music, 31 Dec 1998
This is the first time that I am able to find so many Christmas Carol for Choir which is my favorite music during the whole year. I would like to see more information about the songs contained, and the title of the songs.

Excellent selection of varied carols for all ages, 31 Oct 2001
This book has been well laid out and is easy to read and follow the music. The selection of caols will appeal to many, both old and young. It is used in our school choir for the boys as well as the adults.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

A must have, 04 Nov 2008
What an amazing read. Opened my mind to the trials and tribulations of the band. Excellently written. You must have this book

simplified and easy to play , 28 Aug 2008
This book does what the title says - it shows you the piano music and lyrics for all the well known Abba songs, in a very easy to read format. I learnt to play 20 years ago and have only just taken up the piano again. I have a proper Abba music book from the 80's but as I'm so out of practice I can't even begin to tackle the proper notation. This book cuts out some of the intros to the songs (a bit of shame eg SOS) and keeps the notation to one note per hand instead of three or more notes per hand. It is simple enough for a virtual beginner to play their favourite Abba track and sing along at the same time. (My 7 year old even had a go tonight). This book is for someone who wants a bit of fun and enjoyment in playing Abba songs - not for the die hard pianist.

Their History, 19 Nov 2008
I first got into Led Zep somewhere between their third and forth album, reading music magazines `Sounds` and `New Musical Express for years I knew almost everything about the group even though , they didnt talk to the press unless they had something big to discuss! I stopped buying the press weekleys after `Sounds` scribe Geoff (deaf) Barton started Kerrang!. so back to this book, yes its good and although I have seen 95% of the photos and read 95% of the interviews etc . there is a comprehensive review of each album and lots of informative information. still good to have this kind of scrap book style large heavy book! there are a lot more bands out there that should follow this format..Its also great to see a lot of bootleg covers, albums I know about but have never seen. Heard about five and some are great some are a waste of vinyl...This is a very good history Not the heaviest, they at the time were the BEST

Beautiful.........for the coffee table, 03 Nov 2008
Great book. Great pictures. Some pretty rare ones. Only the occasional mistake usually in the dates/venues for the pictures. Good text covering the essentials of the bands history.
After a run of poor books on the band I would recommend this to the whole fan spectrum, from casual to serious.

'Messiah' : Aspects to know before buying. , 12 Nov 2008
This 264 page Watkins Shaw edition, popular for performances, is good, clearly set out and easy to read for both those new to 'Messiah' and the experienced requiring a copy of this edition.
BUT, it is thick (about 15mm), and hence relatively heavy due partly to a lengthy Preface but more so to its 33 page Appendix! It can make the arms ache when involved in a full performance, particularly when one has to stand for most of it!!
On the plus side, the current Amazon discounted price for a copy, with free p&p, is very attractive.

A book everyone should read, 25 Sep 2008
This is a true story based on the life of Mark 'E' Everett, the man behind alt rock band Eels and is an absolutely beautiful read. The book follows his life from early childhood up to the present day, giving real insight into his personal life and the stories behind his albums, which invariably intertwine.

This isn't your run-of-the-mill rock star biography about a troubled teen that pours out his anger and frustrations through his music and then finds fame. Instead, it's a dark, frank, humorous, sad, yet ultimately positive story about how difficult life and the music industry can be and how E has had to deal with both. His sincere honesty and genuine descriptions of the tragedies he has been confronted with during his life, and how he's dealt with them, really provoke an emotional reaction that I've not experienced from reading other books.

It's difficult to express quite how tragic E's life has been, yet he manages to adopt a positive point of view that yes, it's been tough, but you know what, this means I'm really living my life and these trials are sent to make me stronger. The book really makes you think about how lucky you are and also about how to deal with and look at the positives of even the worst experiences.

Eels fans will no doubt love 'Things the Grandchildren Should Know'; however I wasn't a huge Eels fan before reading this book and don't be put off if you're not familiar with his music. It really doesn't matter; however during or after reading the book, it's difficult not to listen to some of the songs that he talks about. My appreciation for Eels and E as a person have increased quite considerably since reading the book and now I'm a huge convert.

Simply ther best, 19 Sep 2008
I agree with the reviewers who say that this is the best rock biography ever written, but it is much more than that. Although E's family was clearly an unusual and pretty dysfunctional one, the story he tells about growing up in suburban America makes great reading even if he had never become a rock star and even if he hadn't had a famous quantum physicist father who invented the idea of parallel universes. It really ought to be made into a movie! Anyone who is interested in what America was like in the 1960s and 1970s will enjoy it even if they have never heard of Eels. It's certainly different from The Wonder Years.

Great even without the music, 17 Sep 2008
I don't agree with reviewers who say you need to be an Eels fan to enjoy this book. I barely knew Eels at all, and I came to the book because of my interest in quantum physics and Mark Everett's father (see, for example, In Search of Schrodinger's Cat). I found it to be a terrific read full of insights about growing up in America. And THEN I bought a couple of Eels albums, which are also great.

you need to buy this!, 20 Apr 2008
hands down the best book i have ever read in my life. a must have for any eels fan, this book will put you through every emotion possible, i am generally a very detached person but i had a tear in my eye when he writes about his sister and mother's death. if your not into emotional stuff dont be put off by that, this book made me laugh loads as it is full of witty antidotes which had me laughing out loud, this book adds even more meaning to all his songs and you understand where lyrics came from and what was going on in his life when he wrote them. It was such a great experience to hear "the chet" (eels guitarist) read out parts of the book when i went to see them live at the Birmingham town hall. A must have, i rate this very highly!!! (eels rock)

One of the best books I've ever read, 14 Apr 2008
He's always been one of the most honest lyricists and his writing here is no different. Unflinchingly blunt about the personal tragedies in his life and the seemingly countless misfortunes he has witnessed, he somehow weaves them all into a life-affirming and at times, blackly comic memoir. I love his music, his live shows are mesmerising and now I'm a fan of his book.

Good grade 1+ book, 06 Dec 2006
I have this for my 8 year old daughter who is working towards her grade 1 exam. She finds the easiest pieces playable but difficult due to 3 finger cords and lots of hand postion changes. I would recommend this for grade one and above , at grade 1 you could play the simpler pieces which are well set and aproved my my daughters piano teacher.

The original collection, 12 Sep 2008
It's difficult to believe that this little collection of 50 Christmas carols has been around for nearly 50 years. It contains versions of most carols that choirs are likely to want to sing, in a compact and light volume that is clearly printed and easy to navigate.

Those who want an even more comprehensive - and weighty - collection should investigate "100 Carols for Choirs" which features the most popular pieces from all 4 volumes in this series, but there is still plenty to enjoy here, in an edition which pre-dates John Rutter's involvement (either a good or a bad thing, depending upon your viewpoint).

There is even a service of Nine Lessons with Carols included as an appendix for your use. The book originally was accompanied by an LP with selected choirs; I wonder if my copy is worth anything?

Highly recommended.

The most amazing book of Carols!, 13 Aug 2007
If you want some of the best chugging organ music and quality harmonies for traditional Christmas Carols then this is the best. The other books are good too, but book one is by far the best. Just amazing!

The staple of many choirs Christmas services, 13 Nov 2001
I've been singing from this book with various choirs since the age of 11. It's got most of the favourites and often has interesting harmonies for the parts other than soprano.

Simply the best carol book that there is, 11 Sep 2008
If you are looking for a single carol book that will cover the centuries and countries, contain all of the best-loved carols in eminently singable arrangements, and provide you with excellent repertoire for years to come, then look no further. This is it.

It's excellent value for money, and should be on every choir-master and chorister's shelf.

My favourite arrangement in it has to be David Willcocks' fantastic version of "Lo, he comes, with clouds descending" which has a simply sublime final verse.

Wonderful stuff.

Classic arrangements, 12 Dec 2006
Not only does this book help festive anthems reach ears everywhere in spectacular arrangement, it reminds me personally of my choir days. No gripes, all choirs should use this book, Rutter and Wilcocks' arrangements are both intelligent and traditionally festive.
Get it.


The best mix of Carols for Easter & Christmas available!, 16 Mar 2002
This book is really the best mix of carols on the market from the books Carols for Choirs 1, 2 and 3. Any amateur or professional choir can use this book because it has so many known and slightly unknown carols which provide any audience with a good mix of music on a generalised theme.

Carols for Choir is the most beautiful music, 31 Dec 1998
This is the first time that I am able to find so many Christmas Carol for Choir which is my favorite music during the whole year. I would like to see more information about the songs contained, and the title of the songs.

Excellent selection of varied carols for all ages, 31 Oct 2001
This book has been well laid out and is easy to read and follow the music. The selection of caols will appeal to many, both old and young. It is used in our school choir for the boys as well as the adults.

reall good, 13 Jan 2008
one of the worst things when learning an instrument is frustration, something i have experienced whilst reading other books on the subject of piano/keyboards. this book tells you how to play in plain english and goes into good depth on the basics of playing. you never feel overwhelmed.

highly recommended

5 stars to what the book tries to achieve, 15 Mar 2007
This book is very straight-forward and if you're really personally committed to learn the piano, not really caring for the deeply technical part of it, it is a must-have. It is not to be taken very seriously. The book aims to teach you the principles of playing the piano and that Mark Phillips indeed achieved. I bought it without knowing much about music or piano and after 4 months studying it, I already knew how to play 2 pieces like a true prodigy. However, music is a very intricate art and to be a real musician, Piano For Dummies may be your start point, but not your back bone to music.

There is really, indeed, much much more to music after "Piano for Dummies", and beginners must realise that. It is a great buy if you're wanting to play the piano just for the fun of it, but if you want real technical knowledge and to be a professional, you must go far beyond this book.

Disappointing, 15 Sep 2005
Too many irritating bad jokes and not enough substance.

the dummy and idiot market is insatiable, 24 Mar 1999
We've learned in the past few years that there are many more dummies in the world than we had reckoned on and that the dummies are much more ambitious than we had supposed. They want to be taught to do everything. In any case, this is a serviceable work for persons of average intelligence (or so), but of course there are many other general method books available, many of them much better (and there are piano teachers as well.) I particularly recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

A must have, 04 Nov 2008
What an amazing read. Opened my mind to the trials and tribulations of the band. Excellently written. You must have this book

simplified and easy to play , 28 Aug 2008
This book does what the title says - it shows you the piano music and lyrics for all the well known Abba songs, in a very easy to read format. I learnt to play 20 years ago and have only just taken up the piano again. I have a proper Abba music book from the 80's but as I'm so out of practice I can't even begin to tackle the proper notation. This book cuts out some of the intros to the songs (a bit of shame eg SOS) and keeps the notation to one note per hand instead of three or more notes per hand. It is simple enough for a virtual beginner to play their favourite Abba track and sing along at the same time. (My 7 year old even had a go tonight). This book is for someone who wants a bit of fun and enjoyment in playing Abba songs - not for the die hard pianist.

Their History, 19 Nov 2008
I first got into Led Zep somewhere between their third and forth album, reading music magazines `Sounds` and `New Musical Express for years I knew almost everything about the group even though , they didnt talk to the press unless they had something big to discuss! I stopped buying the press weekleys after `Sounds` scribe Geoff (deaf) Barton started Kerrang!. so back to this book, yes its good and although I have seen 95% of the photos and read 95% of the interviews etc . there is a comprehensive review of each album and lots of informative information. still good to have this kind of scrap book style large heavy book! there are a lot more bands out there that should follow this format..Its also great to see a lot of bootleg covers, albums I know about but have never seen. Heard about five and some are great some are a waste of vinyl...This is a very good history Not the heaviest, they at the time were the BEST

Beautiful.........for the coffee table, 03 Nov 2008
Great book. Great pictures. Some pretty rare ones. Only the occasional mistake usually in the dates/venues for the pictures. Good text covering the essentials of the bands history.
After a run of poor books on the band I would recommend this to the whole fan spectrum, from casual to serious.

'Messiah' : Aspects to know before buying. , 12 Nov 2008
This 264 page Watkins Shaw edition, popular for performances, is good, clearly set out and easy to read for both those new to 'Messiah' and the experienced requiring a copy of this edition.
BUT, it is thick (about 15mm), and hence relatively heavy due partly to a lengthy Preface but more so to its 33 page Appendix! It can make the arms ache when involved in a full performance, particularly when one has to stand for most of it!!
On the plus side, the current Amazon discounted price for a copy, with free p&p, is very attractive.

A book everyone should read, 25 Sep 2008
This is a true story based on the life of Mark 'E' Everett, the man behind alt rock band Eels and is an absolutely beautiful read. The book follows his life from early childhood up to the present day, giving real insight into his personal life and the stories behind his albums, which invariably intertwine.

This isn't your run-of-the-mill rock star biography about a troubled teen that pours out his anger and frustrations through his music and then finds fame. Instead, it's a dark, frank, humorous, sad, yet ultimately positive story about how difficult life and the music industry can be and how E has had to deal with both. His sincere honesty and genuine descriptions of the tragedies he has been confronted with during his life, and how he's dealt with them, really provoke an emotional reaction that I've not experienced from reading other books.

It's difficult to express quite how tragic E's life has been, yet he manages to adopt a positive point of view that yes, it's been tough, but you know what, this means I'm really living my life and these trials are sent to make me stronger. The book really makes you think about how lucky you are and also about how to deal with and look at the positives of even the worst experiences.

Eels fans will no doubt love 'Things the Grandchildren Should Know'; however I wasn't a huge Eels fan before reading this book and don't be put off if you're not familiar with his music. It really doesn't matter; however during or after reading the book, it's difficult not to listen to some of the songs that he talks about. My appreciation for Eels and E as a person have increased quite considerably since reading the book and now I'm a huge convert.

Simply ther best, 19 Sep 2008
I agree with the reviewers who say that this is the best rock biography ever written, but it is much more than that. Although E's family was clearly an unusual and pretty dysfunctional one, the story he tells about growing up in suburban America makes great reading even if he had never become a rock star and even if he hadn't had a famous quantum physicist father who invented the idea of parallel universes. It really ought to be made into a movie! Anyone who is interested in what America was like in the 1960s and 1970s will enjoy it even if they have never heard of Eels. It's certainly different from The Wonder Years.

Great even without the music, 17 Sep 2008
I don't agree with reviewers who say you need to be an Eels fan to enjoy this book. I barely knew Eels at all, and I came to the book because of my interest in quantum physics and Mark Everett's father (see, for example, In Search of Schrodinger's Cat). I found it to be a terrific read full of insights about growing up in America. And THEN I bought a couple of Eels albums, which are also great.

you need to buy this!, 20