Sometimes if you voice chords in 4ths instead of 3rds you create a more contemporary sound. But it’s not real easy — you have to make sure to get the critical notes of a triad included, and that is often a two-part proceedure.

Watch this short video on some ideas for “O Christmas Tree”:

Then please go to Spectacularly Beautiful Christmas Carols for a series of full DVD courses on arranging Christmas Carols on the piano.