All The World's A Stage: SSA Choral Octavo

Clever and knowing. The music mirrors Shakespeare's observation that all the world's a stage with sophistication and just enough playfulness to keep it from feeling heavy. There's a theatrical quality to the harmonies that complements the text's ironic distance.

Choirs comfortable with three to four parts looking to program something with literary substance and genuine musical interest. This works equally well for high school and college ensembles seeking secular repertoire with character.

• Treat the text with comedic timing. This is Shakespeare at his most sardonic, and the music should reflect that sensibility rather than oversinging the sentiment.
• Balance the inner voices carefully so the harmonic movement reads clearly. Stoll's part writing rewards precision in blend and intonation.
• Shape phrases around the natural cadences of the language rather than mechanical musical phrasing. The text should drive your interpretation.

Position this alongside other literary or theatrical programming to reinforce a thematic concert. It also serves as a compelling centerpiece for an all-secular set where you want to showcase your choir's interpretive maturity without relying on sacred texts.

• Reading and interpreting SSA/SSAA voicing with clear inner voice independence
• Understanding harmonic movement in contemporary choral writing
• Connecting text meaning to musical choices and phrasing
• Maintaining blend while singing intricate part writing