A Festive Fa La La: SAB Choral Octavo
Based on a traditional French melody
Music by Patrick M. Liebergen
Item: 00-PO-0004146
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Based on a French melody, this multi-purpose Christmas piece includes an optional springtime text. Learn it in December, then use it again at year-end concerts or adjudications. It's a madrigal-like number featuring an optional hand drum and flute (both included in the publication) that give it a medieval feel. Yet it's accompanied by a lilting piano. Good for mixed choirs of any age.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0004146
Instrumentation:
Opt. Flute and Hand Drum
More about this title
About the Composer: Patrick M. Liebergen
Patrick M. Liebergen has built a substantial catalog of accessible choral music across all voicings and levels. His arrangements and original compositions appear regularly in school and community choir libraries, known for their practical approach to ensemble writing and attention to performance detail.
Why we love this
The dual-text concept is genuinely clever: you learn it as a Christmas piece in fall rehearsals, then pivot to the springtime text for spring concerts or festivals without relearning the music. The madrigal-style writing with optional hand drum and flute creates an authentic medieval character that feels nothing like standard holiday fare, while the piano accompaniment keeps it grounded and singable for mixed ensembles of varying skill levels.
What to expect
This piece captures the spirit of Renaissance festivity without pretension. The French melody dances lightly over SAB harmonies while the optional medieval instruments conjure a feeling of candlelit celebration, though the piano keeps things warm and accessible. There's genuine joy here, but also wit and playfulness.
Who it's for
Mixed choirs of any age looking for Christmas repertoire that offers more variety than traditional carols. It works equally well for community ensembles, high school choirs, or college groups seeking a lighter, character-driven piece that invites creative performance choices.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the optional flute and hand drum carefully against the voices. These instruments should color the texture, not overshadow the three-part harmony.
- The madrigal style invites lighter, more articulate singing than typical holiday arrangements. Crisp consonants and a dance-like energy will serve the piece better than a full, sustained tone.
- Use the recorded accompaniment to learn individual lines quickly, but rehearse a cappella or with live piano periodically to develop independence.
- If you include the hand drum, establish a clear rhythmic pattern in rehearsal so it feels purposeful rather than decorative.
How to use it
Program it early in your December concert as a mood-setter before heavier repertoire, or use it as an opener at spring adjudications and year-end celebrations with the alternate text. The piece's brevity and character make it ideal for mixed-program concerts where you want something that stands apart from your more serious or classical selections.
Skills your students will build
- Singing three-part mixed voicing with clear part independence
- Performing in a madrigal or early music style (lighter tone, articulate consonants)
- Coordinating with optional flute and percussion parts
- Working with rhythmic accompaniment patterns in piano scores