All I Want For Christmas Is You (arr. Martin Cornelissen): SAB Choral Octavo

This arrangement captures the infectious energy and pop sensibility that made the original a cultural phenomenon without requiring your singers to sound like a backing track. Cornelissen's SAB voicing keeps the part writing accessible while preserving the song's harmonic sophistication and those signature vocal flourishes that audiences recognize instantly.

Bright, uplifting, and immediately recognizable. The arrangement sparkles with pop sensibility while maintaining vocal music's warmth and blend. Singers feel the energy of a modern hit without the intimidation of complex technical demands.

Choirs seeking contemporary holiday repertoire that connects with audiences beyond traditional Christmas music. This works for secondary choirs, community ensembles, and holiday concert programs where pop arrangements serve a legitimate programming purpose.

• Balance the three parts carefully during the chorus so the melody stays prominent; the arrangement's richness can easily obscure the line that carries the song's hook.
• Nail the rhythmic precision in the syncopated sections. The groove of this song depends on locked rhythms between parts, not just accurate pitches.
• Lean into the production values. This song lives in a world of layered vocals and clear articulation, so invest in clean diction and ensemble blend rather than a purely classical tone.
• Use dynamics to shape the arc. The original builds progressively; your arrangement should reflect that same trajectory from verse to final chorus.

Pair this with one or two traditional carols to create a mixed holiday set that appeals to diverse audiences. The pop sound makes it an excellent closer for a concert, or use it as a palate cleanser between more serious choral works. It also functions well in pops concerts or end-of-year programs beyond the holiday season.

• Balancing multiple melodic lines in contemporary pop harmony
• Rhythmic precision in syncopated pop grooves
• Stylistic awareness: identifying and executing genre-specific phrasing and articulation
• Ensemble blend and balance in SAB voicing
• Building dynamic arc across an arrangement