Always There: SSA Choral Octavo
Words by Brendan Graham, music by Rolf Løvland / arr. Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0006555
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
From the songwriting team that created "You Raise Me Up" comes this Celtic-inspired ballad performed by the internationally renowned artists Secret Garden. Inspiring and beautiful lyrics, gorgeous harmonies. Optional violin part included in the publication.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0006555
More about this title
About the Composer: Rolf Lovland
Rolf Lovland is a Norwegian composer best known for his work with the chamber ensemble Secret Garden, which he co-founded in 1992. His compositions bridge classical and contemporary sensibilities, drawing heavily on Celtic and Scandinavian musical traditions. Lovland's gift for melody and harmonic sophistication has made him a prolific presence in both concert halls and on film and television soundtracks.
As an educator's resource, Lovland's music offers students access to genuine artistry from an internationally performed ensemble. His compositions reward careful listening and musical maturity while remaining accessible to singers at intermediate levels.
Why we love this
This arrangement gives your SSA choir a chance to perform music from genuine world-class artists rather than material written primarily for educational settings. Jay Althouse's voicing preserves the emotional core of the original while keeping the harmonic palette clear and singable, and the optional violin part adds an elegant textural layer without becoming a distraction.
What to expect
Celtic warmth filtered through contemporary songwriting: reflective and intimate without being sentimental. The harmonic language is rich enough to engage singers emotionally while the melodic line carries an almost hymn-like simplicity that makes it memorable and moving.
Who it's for
Intermediate to advanced SSA choirs looking for repertoire with genuine artistic depth and modern appeal. This works well for singers who respond to character-driven material and want to experience music that travels beyond the typical educational choral canon.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the phrase contours with attention to the lyrical content; Lovland's melodies are built on text-driven arcs rather than predictable 4-bar patterns.
- Balance the upper voices carefully during the harmony-rich sections so that inner parts remain heard without overwhelming the top line.
- Consider the recorded accompaniment as a reference for pacing and expressive timing rather than a strict tempo guide; your choir's interpretation should breathe naturally.
- If performing with the optional violin part, rehearse that line separately with your accompanist or violinist to ensure it sits properly in the full choral texture.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece in a concert built around world music or contemporary sacred themes. Its Celtic roots also pair naturally with other folk-inspired works, or use it as a transition piece that bridges between more formal classical repertoire and lighter contemporary selections.
Skills your students will build
- Singing sustained harmonic progressions with independence and blend
- Interpreting rubato and expressive phrasing in a pop/contemporary idiom
- Balancing inner voice clarity with the needs of the melody
- Connecting lyrical content to musical shape and dynamic choice