A Spider's Tapestry (SSAA Soli, SATB Choir and Saxophone Quartet) (Score and Parts): SATB Choral Octavo
By Cheryl Frances-Hoad
Item: 35-DS02121995
Digital Download
$34.99
Minimum order quantity: 10 copies
Please note: Under U.S. copyright law, you must purchase the exact number of copies needed for your ensemble. Printing, duplicating or sharing additional copies is strictly prohibited.
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Description
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Cheryl Frances-Hoad is a British composer whose choral writing draws on both contemporary and traditional harmonic language. Her work often incorporates unusual instrumental combinations and explores the interplay between soloist and ensemble, creating richly textured soundscapes that challenge performers while remaining deeply musical.
Why we love this
The interweaving of SSAA soli, full SATB choir, and saxophone quartet creates a sonic palette that feels entirely fresh for the choral octavo repertoire. This piece rewards groups with strong soloists and gives your saxophonists a genuine chamber role within the larger ensemble sound, making it ideal for choirs looking to showcase multiple strengths.
What to expect
Intricate and luminous, like watching light refract through geometric patterns. The saxophone quartet provides a warm, modern shimmer beneath (and sometimes above) the choir's harmonic foundation, creating moments of unexpected intimacy and moments of full, complex sonority.
Who it's for
Advanced high school choirs and college ensembles with capable soloists and access to a saxophone quartet. This work demands strong musicianship across multiple vocal lines and requires rehearsal time to integrate the instrumental color effectively.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the saxophone quartet carefully in early rehearsals; these parts carry melodic weight and need independence from the choir without overwhelming it.
Develop your SSAA soloists' confidence before full sectional rehearsals. Their exposed writing benefits from secure, intimate preparation first.
Let the piece breathe rhythmically. Frances-Hoad's harmonic language rewards attention to phrase shape and textural clarity over mechanical precision.
How to use it
Place this on a concert exploring contemporary approaches to text setting and instrumental collaboration. It works beautifully as a standalone major work on a shorter program or as a substantial centerpiece that showcases your ensemble's range and technical maturity.
Skills your students will build
Balancing part independence within a complex texture
Sustained tone quality in unaccompanied and accompanied passages
Responding musically to instrumental partners in real time
Ensemble listening and acoustic awareness across six independent lines (four saxophone parts plus two choral divisions)
Text interpretation within contemporary harmonic language
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