Irving Berlin Anthology Piano, Vocal and Guitar Chords

The songs in this collection are among Berlin's best. I was pleased to see such a fine variety of well-known and some lesser known tunes from America's greatest songsmith. My main complaint is that some of the textures are a bit thin. I compared the original edition of the novelty song "You'd Be Surprised" and as in many of the arrangements in this anthology, the original had fuller harmonies provided by the familiar technique of using broken chords in the left hand. This editor usually opted for a single bass note (rather than the octave) on the down beats and the off beats are either missing or played by the right hand in the alto range. While this may make the arrangements slightly easier to play it sacrifices the fullness and rhythmic vitality and drive of the original. Also, with regard to "You'd Be Surprised" I found the verse is missing which is a shame because it is vital to the story of the song and adds greatly to the humor. In many of the arrangements there is a penchant for tenths in the left hand which most people will need to roll. This is really not any easier that using a broken chord which would provide more movement and energy. As with most of these Hal Leonard publications the notes are clear and easy to read and the book is sturdily bound. It does not lay as flat as one would hope but I personally do not care for spiral bindings which do lay flat so I hope that, in time, the spine will flex a bit more without the pages falling out.

Someone else's quote: "There's no place in American music for Irving Berlin. Irving Berlin IS American music!"Many generations, including mine, grew up with Berlin's music. For those of us who have shared these unforgettable tunes over a lifetime, there is nothing more to say, other than "thank you, Mr. Berlin."//jm

I like the arrangements but wish it was made just for piano. I don’t like the music that is for piano, vocal & guitar in one book. I’m only interested in piano.

i like having these songs for reference. the arrangements are moderately difficult - suitable for a skilled pianist (which i am not - i'm more intermediate). still i'm glad to have this anthology. the condition of the used book was very good and met my expectations.

104 years old when he died, a poor kid who dropped out of school and begged for money by singing on the streets who was to become America's greatest voice for ballads. During the first World War he enlisted as a private, even though he was world famous, and composed a show that had a very American hymn to close the show, but cut it because the show ran too long, He later resurrected it for World War II and the homely, fat blond lady, Kate Smith sang her heart out with "God Bless American" a song which almost became out National Anthem in 1931, but anti-semitism in the Senate prevented that.

Item description was accurate; shipping was prompt; and packing was excellent. Thank you!

I bought this book for "shaking the blues away" which is in the description, but that song is NOT included. Overall its still a nice anthology. I only wish all the songs contained the verses, only some do (really miss the verses for You'd be Surprised!)

Can't complain about the number of songs included in this anthology, but the arrangements lacked originality. Most of the pieces give the melody to the piano (often in the left hand) so they can be played as piano solos. I'd rather have seen a piano accompaniment for a vocal soloist.UPDATE: I upgraded my review to five stars because Irving Berlin is a genius, and this book reflects a wide array of his catchiest tunes. Great fun for your next impromptu sing-along with family and friends. If you don't already have a compendium of Berlin hits, this is an excellent place to start.

Great selection of songs with piano accompaniment

Poco puedo yo añadir a las composiciones de Irving Berlin, con 101 años de vida y mas de 1000 piezas, es uno de los mas prestigiosos y reconocidos compositores del siglo XX.Estas partituras tienen un nivel medio alto. Son asequibles, como es normal unas mas sencillas y otras mas complejas, pero todas tienen un buen estilo, no son partituras infantiles.El cifrado de acordes es completo y los arreglos son buenos, por lo que valen tanto para los que están acostumbrados a leer acordes y hacer sus propios acompañamientos, como para aquellos que estudian piano clásico y quieren tocar algo distinto. La mayoría Incluyen la melodía con sus arreglos, por lo que son partituras para tocar sólo, sin voz, pero como he señalado, al tener el cifrado completo de acordes, puedes crea un acompañamiento y usarla como partitura acompañar y cantar.

Love these Berlin songs a must have anthology for any Irving Berlin fan!

Estoy muy contento con este libro. Gracias!

Love these songs