This is the official website for Pianist/Arranger Christopher Whalen. Christopher's formal music training was from one Gustav Riherd
in Pasadena, California. (Dr. Riherd was old-school, having studied at
the Indiana School of Music, and having heard Rachmaninov in concert in
Hollywood and elsewhere.) At San Diego State University Christopher
graduated with honors majoring in piano and music theory.
Though Classically trained, Christopher played several years for musical theater in San Diego (including the Spreckels Theater and the University of San Diego) as well as dance organizations in the area: Stage 7 (which prepared young dancers for Las Vegas work) and the San Diego Ballet. So, on this site you will find quality music recordings from Broadway, Film Scores, Sacred music, Classical music, and the Standards, as well as some Original music for keyboard. All recordings are from performances by Christopher Whalen, recorded in his home studio. Most are works for the keyboard (acoustic piano or synthesizer).
Most of the popular works heard on these albums (Standards, Broadway hits, Film themes, etc.) are original arrangements
by Christopher Whalen. (A few are original works by the likes of Pete
de Rose, Charles Williams, and Dave Brubeck.) All Classical works on
the Classical CD's page are genuine; there are no simplified or abridged versions there.
All CD’s come in traditional jewel cases, each accompanied by detailed program notes.
We truly hope you find at least one album at this website that you will
enjoy for a long time. Many have told us that the Standards and Sacred
arrangements become even more enjoyable with repeated listening.
CUSTOMIZED CD's: You may, if you prefer, request customized CD's with only the tracks you want
(selected from any of the albums on this website). Depending on the
length of the tracks, you may select 15-20 tracks on a CD for $12.00
(includes shipping and tax). To order, send your e-mail (with a list of track titles) to WhalenEsque@Verizon.net.
Any thoughtful comments or questions you may have can be directed to me by e-mail (below):
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| Christopher at the Piano |
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WhalenEsque@Verizon.net
Christopher T. Whalen
NOTE: We have added PayPal on each CD page for your Credit Card convenience.
Look for the Buy Now logo.
You may still use the Check/Money Order option (see Place an Order page).
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This site is all about MUSIC, including Pop, Standards, Broadway, Light Jazz, Sacred, Original, and Classical Music. This is music for all kinds of listening: Easy Listening (though most of the arrangements are actually more complex than they might at first seem)—with smooth stylings; Broadway show tunes (in new arrangements that are often quite challenging); Light Jazz (including jazz ballads and some swing); Sacred (choral music for SATB primarily); Original (piano and piano/vocal, plus a full musical); and Classical (full, original version—specializing in Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, and Debussy).
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The Pop, Standards, Broadway, Sacred, Original and Classical music at this site are all recorded in my own home studio using an iMac, Logic Express software, condensor mics, and two keyboards (Steinway D and Yamaha S90 Synthesizer). The music ranges from simple Sacred praise songs to smooth, easy listening pop music to more challenging Broadway tunes to challenging Classical pieces in their original versions. All of the Classical pieces are of course recorded on the Steinway D while other music is divided beween the Steinway and the S90 Synthesizer.
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