Ave Maria: SSAA Choral Octavo
By Sally K. Albrecht
Item: 00-PO-0003578
$1.90
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
A plaintive opening expands into lush four-part harmony in this compelling a cappella concert selection. Meditative and earnest, Sally's glorious setting of the prayerful text will inspire your finest singers.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0003578
More about this title
About the Composer: Sally K. Albrecht
Sally K. Albrecht has shaped choral music education for over three decades, serving as Director of School Choral, Vocal, and Elementary Publications at major educational music publishers, including her most recent role at Alfred Music. Her catalog includes more than 600 published choral works alongside 75 larger songbooks and musicals, and she has been an annual ASCAP Special Music Award recipient since 1987. Beyond composition, she has conducted honor choirs at prestigious venues including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Kennedy Center.
Albrecht earned her B.A. in Music and Theater from Rollins College in 1976, then continued at the University of Miami, where she completed an M.A. in Drama and an M.M. in Accompanying. She has taught at Oakland University, Jersey City State College, and Meredith College. In recognition of her contributions to music and leadership, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from both the University of Miami Frost School of Music and Rollins College in 2021.
Why we love this
Albrecht's setting finds depth in restraint, beginning with vulnerability before opening into richly voiced four-part writing that lets the text breathe. The a cappella format demands focused blend and tuning from your singers, making this ideal for choirs ready to project confident, unified sound in a concert setting.
What to expect
Meditative and sincere, this setting opens in sparse clarity before blossoming into warm, prayerful harmony. The texture is contemplative rather than ornamental, inviting listeners into a moment of genuine reflection.
Who it's for
Choirs with solid blend and tuning skills seeking meaningful sacred repertoire for concert performance. This works well for groups with at least two strong sopranos and reliable alto section, though it suits treble and mixed ensembles equally.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening with careful dynamic control; let the plainness of the opening material establish the contemplative mood before the harmony expands.
- Balance the four voices so the melody remains clear even as inner voices gain prominence in the fuller sections.
- Maintain evenness of tone across all parts; uneven vibrato or register shifts will undermine the lush harmonic quality Albrecht writes.
- Work intonation as a unit, not part by part; a cappella writing exposes drift immediately, so rehearse all voices together frequently.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece in a sacred or seasonal concert, where its quiet opening can contrast effectively with more energetic works. It also pairs naturally with other a cappella selections in a chamber choir showcase or as a concert closer that leaves audiences in thoughtful silence.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining long phrases with steady breath support in unaccompanied singing
- Blending four-part voices with balanced tone and unified vowels
- Tuning harmonic intervals without instrumental support
- Expressing musical intent through dynamic shaping and textual understanding in a cappella contexts