The Church Pianist: Free Christmas Piano Arrangement
Click here for free arrangement of O Little Town of Bethlehem
The mood of a song determines what
type of accompaniment the pianist will use.
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” is a soft
and peaceful Christmas carol…like a
lullaby.
If I were playing this as a piano solo,
I would use less fullness for a softer
texture. Since this was arranged for the
congregation, the pianist will need
fuller chords for supporting a large
This particular Christmas carol has
frequent accidental or (altered) chords,
which can create awkward moves for
the pianist.
I tried to create an accompaniment
containing smooth harmonic movement
for the pianist.
Editor notes for: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Measure 3 :
I added the 7th note
to the ii chord (g minor) for a warmer
tone on the 3rd beat.
Measure 5:
The right hand plays a
fill-in on beats 3 and 4 for a smooth
transition to the upper range.
Measure 7:
Notice how I’m working
my way back down to the middle
range of the keyboard with my
right hand.
Measure 8:
I’m back to middle range
of keyboard to create a darker tone for
the words. (“….dark street…”)
Measure 13:
Bell tones (4th interval on
beats 2 and 3 to convey a “lighter” tone).
Please feel free to use this free piano
arrangement for congregation or choir.
You may adapt it to a piano solo with
minor changes.
Tags: free christmas piano arrangement, O Little Town of Bethlehem, pianist
