Sheet Music for Pianists: Billy Joel's 40 Hits vs. Vintage Disney Books, a 1927 Solo, and Cream's 1969 Book

Quick take

When you are choosing between piano sheet music options, the real decision is whether you want a thick working collection, a compact older single, a band-related songbook, or a small set of Disney favorites. The four titles here all belong at a piano, but they will not serve the same practice session. Rather than asking which one is generally better, ask what you will sit down to play this week. The table below lines up the listed prices, and the notes after it give you a closer look at what each purchase actually delivers.

At a glance

Decision matrix

Product notes

Billy Joel Sheet Music Piano Book: 40 Iconic Songs Arranged for Piano Solo

If your piano routine needs a single book with enough material to last more than one sitting, this is the one. The title itself promises 40 iconic songs arranged for piano solo, and the book is brand new with 181 pages, so it works as a practical collection for practice or performance. The arrangements are meant for solo piano, which keeps the focus on a single player at the keys. On the downside, this is a modern compilation, so it will not bring the aged character that some collectors look for. If you would rather own one thorough book of familiar Billy Joel songs than gamble on old paper condition, this is the more practical choice.

MAKE IT SNAPPY - Silvio De Rienzo - 1927 USA Novelty Piano Solo sheet music

This 1927 piano solo is for someone who wants a small, unusual addition to a sheet music drawer rather than a full repertoire book. It covers easy listening, jazz, Latin, musicals, and pop, so it could work as a light recital piece or a way to try a completely different style. The sheet is in good condition, with a light cover stain that does not show inside. It is also a single piece, not a collection, which limits how long it will hold your attention. If you like the idea of owning a specific piece of 1920s piano writing, published by Alfred & Co and arranged by Henri Klickmann, this is a tidy way to add that character.

Cream - Goodbye. Sheet Music Book 1969

This 1969 songbook is the choice when the music is less important than the moment in time it represents. The book ties to the Cream album, includes several photos of the band, and has a double-page centre spread, so it carries real visual appeal for a fan. The sheets are in good condition, though a couple of pages show slight stains at the top middle. The practical limitation is those signs of age and the narrow focus: this is a rock songbook from one album era, not a broad play-along collection. If you are specifically after a Cream-related piece of piano sheet music from 1969, rather than a general selection of hits, this is the one that belongs with your collection.

2 Vtg. Walt Disney Productions Piano Sheet Music Books w/ Mickey Mouse on Cover

This bundle gives you two Walt Disney Productions softcovers for one listed price. One is The Joy of Disney, published in 1980 with 56 pages, and the other is Jane Smisor Bastien Presents Walt Disney Favorites for Piano, from around the 1980s, with 15 pages. The covers feature Mickey Mouse, and both are original English-language softcover wraps. That makes this a compact Disney option, and it works nicely if you want a small set of themed songs rather than a thick modern songbook. The limitation is total length: combined, the two books come to 71 pages, so this is not a large repertoire. It is a pared-down, character-filled choice.

The final call

Look at how much music you need and which era you want to sit with. The Billy Joel book is the practical one for a large modern song list. The Disney pair works when you want two compact softcovers with recognizable character. The Silvio De Rienzo sheet is the one to add an old-style recital piece. And the Cream book is the period piece for a fan who can accept a little wear. Match the size and era of the music to the way you actually play, and you will know which sheet music is worth the space on your piano.