A Romantic Christmas: Piano Music by Tchaikovsky, Liszt, Grainger and Bach

Stephanie McCallum invites you to experience the enchanting melodies of the holiday season with her captivating album, "A Romantic Christmas: Piano Music by Tchaikovsky, Liszt, Grainger and Bach." Released on December 2, 2011, under the ABC Classic label, this classical piano album is a delightful collection of timeless Christmas pieces, spanning a total duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes.

The album opens with a serene arrangement of Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze," masterfully adapted by Egon Petri, setting the tone for the musical journey ahead. McCallum then takes on Tchaikovsky's iconic "The Nutcracker Suite," presenting a selection of its most beloved movements, from the lively "Overture" and "March" to the ethereal "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy."

Exploring the works of Franz Liszt, McCallum presents a series of enchanting Christmas carols, including "Weihnachtslied: Als das Christkind ward zur Welt gebracht" and "Weihnachtslied: Christus ist geboren." She also delves into Liszt's "Weihnachstbaum (Christmas Tree)," a twelve-movement suite that beautifully captures the spirit of the season, with pieces like "O heilige Nacht" and "Scherzoso: Man zündet die Kerzen des Baumes an."

The album also features arrangements by Percy Grainger, such as the lively "Sussex Mummers Christmas Carol," and a charming "Pastorale (Hungarian Christmas Song)." Rounding out the collection is a modern composition, "Jangled Bells," adding a contemporary touch to this classical Christmas celebration.

Stephanie McCallum's exquisite piano playing brings a fresh perspective to these classic pieces, making this album a perfect addition to your holiday music collection. Whether you're a fan of classical piano or simply looking to add some festive cheer to your season, "A Romantic Christmas" is sure to delight.