Angel (arr. Mark Brymer): SSA Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's SSA voicing of this modern classic opens the song to a wider range of ensembles while preserving the emotional core that made the original so moving. The arrangement respects the tune's accessibility and inherent beauty, making it an excellent choice for choirs seeking contemporary material that doesn't sacrifice musicality for the sake of popularity.

Introspective and tender, with moments of quiet intensity. The arrangement preserves the song's intimate quality while allowing for the kind of soaring vocal expression that makes this tune resonate with audiences.

Developing SSA and SSAA choirs looking to expand their pop and contemporary repertoire. The 11-page score works well for choirs seeking accessible material that still rewards careful musical preparation.

• Attend carefully to the dynamic shape within phrases rather than treating entire sections as static; McLachlan's original phrasing suggests subtle swells that lift toward emotional peaks
• Balance the SSA voicing so the melodic line stays prominent without sacrificing blend in the supporting parts
• Let the accompaniment guide tempo stability, especially in passages where the vocal line breathes; resist the urge to rush through rests

Place this in a concert set focused on contemporary voices or paired with other pop arrangements to show your ensemble's stylistic range. It also serves as an effective programming choice for spring or end-of-year concerts where emotional resonance with the audience matters.

• Singing sustained phrases with proper breath management
• Blending modern pop melody with three-part harmony
• Interpreting dynamic shaping in contemporary songwriting
• Connecting emotionally to material beyond traditional choral repertoire