A Mother's Prayer: SSA Choral Octavo
Words and music by Carole Bayer Sager and David Foster / arr. Teena Chinn
Level: Moderate
Item: 00-PO-0002575
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
David Foster and Carole Bayer Sager teamed up to create this timeless song, originally recorded by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli and featured in the animated feature Quest For Camelot. On Celine's latest CD she features the original song's melody with a new and wonderfully poignant lyric. It makes a powerful choral work with a wonderful message that's suitable for Mother's Day, Christian Family Sunday, baptism, or baby dedication services.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0002575
More about this title
About the Composer: Carole Bayer Sager
Carole Bayer Sager has spent decades crafting lyrics and melodies that resonate across genres, from pop standards to film scores. Her collaboration with David Foster on "A Mother's Prayer" exemplifies her gift for writing deeply emotional material that speaks to universal human experiences, particularly the bonds between parent and child.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the intimate warmth of the original without overwhelming an SSA ensemble. The moderate difficulty level and eight-page format make it genuinely usable in spring programming, and the song's genuine emotional core means your singers will connect to the material rather than simply perform it.
What to expect
The piece carries a quiet reverence, like a conversation held in a moment of reflection. The vocal writing sits comfortably for young singers while maintaining the song's tender vulnerability and genuine spiritual weight.
Who it's for
This octavo works well for treble choirs at the intermediate level who want to include meaningful sacred music in spring services or concerts. Directors preparing for Mother's Day, baptism ceremonies, or Christian Family Sunday observances will find the lyrical accessibility and emotional authenticity particularly valuable.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melodic line in the first soprano part while allowing the harmonies to bloom naturally; resist the urge to weight the texture too heavily.
- Shape phrases through the text rather than musical bar lines, letting the prayer-like quality emerge from thoughtful diction and breath placement.
- Work with your accompanist to establish a flexible tempo that honors the introspective character; this piece breathes better when it isn't rushed.
How to use it
Consider pairing this with contrasting seasonal or celebratory music to create a balanced spring concert arc. It also serves as a meaningful centerpiece for Mother's Day services or special occasions honoring family; the message and moderate length make it suitable for both full choir performances and featured smaller ensembles within a larger service.
Skills your students will build
- Sustained legit singing and phrase shaping over longer melodic lines
- Three-part SSA voicing with awareness of harmonic balance
- Interpretation of sacred text with emotional authenticity rather than dramatic excess
- Intonation in close-voiced harmonies