An Old-Fashioned Song (Don't You Hate It?) (arr. Christopher Peterson): SATB Choral Octavo

Christopher Peterson's arrangement captures the comedic punch of the original while making it singable for mixed voices without sacrificing the composers' clever harmonic moves. The title itself signals something audiences rarely expect from choral music: genuine humor paired with genuine musicality.

A wry observation wrapped in unexpectedly sophisticated harmonies. The piece manages to be both lighthearted and musically substantive, offering singers the satisfaction of executing real craftsmanship while the audience laughs.

Choirs seeking repertoire that entertains without condescending to their audience or their singers. This works for groups comfortable with contemporary musical theatre idioms and ready to commit to comic delivery without winking at the joke.

• Nail the comedic timing by rehearsing the text with exaggerated articulation first, then gradually smooth it into the musical line. The contrast between what the lyrics suggest and what the music does is the joke.
• Balance the voices so the top line doesn't overshadow the harmonic sophistication underneath. Bernstein and Markell write detail into every part.
• Let the accompaniment's rhythmic grooves establish the contemporary feel. Don't let it become background; it drives the piece's personality.

Place this near the end of a set to send audiences out smiling, or use it as a palate cleanser between heavier works. It pairs well with other contemporary secular choral pieces that prioritize text clarity and theatrical presence.

• Comedic phrasing and rhythmic precision with syncopated text delivery
• Part independence in contemporary harmonic contexts
• Connecting theatrical intention to musical interpretation