Always: SATB Choral Octavo

Deke Sharon's arrangement captures the timeless sincerity of Berlin's composition while giving SATB voices genuine independence. The piece respects the melody that listeners know while creating satisfying four-part writing that keeps all singers engaged, making it equally valuable for concert programming and for teaching solid choral fundamentals.

This arrangement conveys warmth and assurance. The writing sits comfortably in most voice ranges and moves with gentle lyricism, creating the impression of four people singing together rather than four parts competing for attention. It carries the emotional directness Berlin intended, unadorned and sincere.

Choirs seeking repertoire that combines accessibility with musical substance will find this arrangement efficient to prepare. It works for groups ranging from upper high school to adult community choirs, particularly those wanting American songbook material that sounds polished without demanding extended rehearsal time.

• Let the harmonic progression breathe. Berlin's chord changes carry emotional weight, so shape phrases through harmony rather than rushing from one melodic cadence to the next.
• Balance accessibility with sophistication. The arrangement's cleaner passages should feel natural and unforced; avoid over-singing the simpler sections.
• Consider the text's sentiment throughout. This song's meaning depends on genuine delivery, so rehearse with attention to phrase endpoints and emotional arcs rather than just technical accuracy.

Program this as a concert centerpiece when you want to feature American songwriting tradition, or pair it with other Berlin compositions for a thematic set. Its straightforward charm also makes it valuable for spring pops programs or as a companion piece to more challenging contemporary work, offering both singers and audiences a moment of genuine melodic beauty.

• Balancing ensemble blend across four independent voice parts
• Sustaining phrase direction through harmonic changes
• Interpreting American songbook style and phrasing conventions
• Coordinating text delivery with choral sound production