Sometimes I come across a beautiful song and start searching online for a choral arrangement.
All too often, though, what I find is weighed down with so many bells and whistles that the original melody—the very thing that drew me to the song in the first place—ends up buried under the layers.
It’s surprisingly easy to overwhelm a simple tune, especially one that comes from the folk tradition. The power of these songs usually lies in their clarity and directness.
When I make my own arrangements, I always try to let the main melody shine through. Early on, I tended to arrange everything as SATB, because that’s what I thought a “proper” choral arrangement had to be. With more experience, I’ve realised that a three-part or even two-part setting often serves the song better.
Some arrangers enjoy showcasing their skills with big, complex, all-singing-all-dancing numbers. There’s definitely a place for that, if that’s what you’re after. But it can also strip away what was originally unique and compelling about the song.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with making a piece your own—transforming it into something almost entirely new—as long as you’re clear that’s your intention.
But more often than not, the simplest approach is the strongest. The best arrangements are the ones where the heart of the song is still there, shining through.
Chris Rowbury
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