“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear - Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 2” is classified as a Level 4 Piano work worth 4,970 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Intermediate Piano Arrangements → Hymns, Hymns - Christmas and is part of the Sacred collection. The sheet music for “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear - Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 2” provided on this website is available for non-commercial use. This means it may be downloaded, printed, studied, and performed for personal or educational purposes, but it may not be sold, redistributed commercially, or used as part of a paid product without permission.
This intermediate arrangement of “It Came Upon The Midnight Clear” presents the traditional Christmas carol in a gentle and lyrical piano setting. Marked Andante, the arrangement combines a clear melodic line with flowing accompaniment patterns, creating a calm and expressive character while providing opportunities to develop coordination, balance, and phrasing.
The piece begins with the melody presented clearly over a steady broken-note accompaniment. As the arrangement progresses, the accompaniment continues to flow beneath the melody while the right hand moves through different registers and rhythmic patterns. Sustained melodic notes and fuller harmonic passages create contrast before the music moves toward its quiet and sustained conclusion.
Measures 1–14 form the opening section. The melody is introduced clearly in the upper register while the left hand establishes a steady flowing accompaniment. The texture remains relatively open, allowing the melody to stand out naturally. Focus on maintaining an even pulse and keeping the accompaniment soft and supportive.
Measures 15–25 continue the main melodic material with flowing broken-note patterns in the accompaniment. The right hand moves through a mixture of shorter melodic figures and longer sustained notes, creating natural contrasts between the phrases. Careful coordination between the hands will help maintain the smooth and lyrical character of the music.
Measures 26–33 develop the melody with a fuller texture and continued movement in the lower register. Sustained notes in the upper voice are contrasted with flowing accompaniment figures underneath. Pay attention to balance between the hands and allow the longer melodic notes to remain prominent.
Measures 34–37 form the final section. The melody continues over the flowing accompaniment before moving into longer closing notes and sustained harmony. The final measures gradually settle into the concluding sonority, giving the arrangement a peaceful and complete ending.
Interesting fact: “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” was written by Edmund Sears in 1849 and first published in the Christian Register in Boston that same year. The familiar American melody, known as “Carol,” was written by Richard Storrs Willis in 1850. Willis had studied music in Germany, including with teachers connected to the musical tradition of Felix Mendelssohn. In Britain, the carol is also commonly sung to a different tune known as “Noel,” adapted by Arthur Sullivan.
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