Easy piano arrangements
Intermediate piano arrangements
- Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 1
- Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 2
- Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 3
- Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 4
- Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 5
- Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 6
- Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 7
- Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 8
Advanced piano arrangements
- Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 1
- Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 2
- Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 3
- Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 4
- Advanced Piano Arrangement No. 5
Lead sheets in seven keys
The Ukrainian roots of Carol of the Bells
Carol of the Bells began as Shchedryk, a Ukrainian New Year song arranged by composer Mykola Leontovych. Its original words tell of a swallow bringing a household wishes for prosperity in the coming year. The Australian Chamber Choir performs this original Ukrainian version, preserving the story behind the familiar melody.
The song reached Carnegie Hall in 1922. In 1936, Peter Wilhousky wrote new English lyrics about Christmas bells, giving the melody its widely known English title. His words created a new Christmas setting rather than a translation of the Ukrainian text. Read more about its journey from Ukraine to Carnegie Hall.
A Christmas favorite around the world
Today, the melody connects choral tradition with popular holiday culture. Its appearances in Home Alone, television, advertising, and performances by artists such as Trans-Siberian Orchestra have introduced it to audiences far beyond the concert hall. The Ukrainian Institute’s centennial celebration highlights both this international reach and the song’s Ukrainian heritage. Whether heard in a choir, a film, or a piano arrangement, its repeating musical figure gives the carol an immediately recognizable character.
More Christmas sheet music on RTV
For more melody-and-chord editions, browse Christmas Lead Sheets in Different Keys. For traditional hymn settings, visit Christmas Hymns from the Hymnal.