Away from the Roll of the Sea: SATB Choral Octavo
Away from the Roll of the Sea: SATB Choral Octavo
Away from the Roll of the Sea: SATB Choral Octavo
Away from the Roll of the Sea Sheet Music Preview

Away from the Roll of the Sea: SATB Choral Octavo

By Alister MacGillivray

Item: 00-PO-0007692
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$2.20

Minimum order quantity: 20 copies

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Additional Details
Series: The Elmer Iseler Choral Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
SKU: 00-PO-0007692

More about this title

About the Composer: Alister MacGillivray

Alister MacGillivray is a Canadian composer and folk musician deeply rooted in the musical traditions of Nova Scotia. His compositional voice blends classical training with the rhythmic and melodic character of Atlantic Canadian folk music, creating works that feel both contemporary and timelessly rooted in place.

MacGillivray's choral writing draws on his understanding of traditional music and the human voice, resulting in pieces that are singable yet sophisticated. His work has been championed by major Canadian choral ensembles and appears in significant choral series, reflecting his standing as a composer who enriches the choral repertoire with distinctly Canadian perspectives.

Why we love this

MacGillivray brings authentic maritime character to SATB writing without resorting to folk pastiche or simplification. The piece sits naturally for four-part voices while maintaining melodic interest across all sections, making it rewarding for singers who want their individual lines to matter.

What to expect

The piece evokes the contemplative pull of maritime imagery, with harmonic and melodic writing that suggests both the vastness of the sea and intimate human response to it. There is a quietude and dignity in the music, anchored by MacGillivray's gift for natural voice leading.

Who it's for

SATB choirs at intermediate to advanced levels seeking repertoire with genuine artistic substance. This works particularly well for ensembles wanting to explore Canadian compositional voices and singers ready to engage with more sophisticated harmonic language.

How to get the most out of it

  • Emphasize the text's imagery by shaping phrases around the poetic language rather than forcing symmetrical breathing points; let the meaning guide your phrasing.
  • Balance the harmony so inner voices support the melodic line without drowning it; SATB voicing in this piece likely requires attention to alto and tenor projection.
  • Explore the emotional arc of the entire piece before sectioning it; understanding the dramatic trajectory prevents rehearsal from becoming measure-by-measure work.

How to use it

Program this alongside other Canadian choral works to create a thematic concert celebrating national composition, or use it as a centerpiece for a concert exploring water, landscape, or place-based writing. Its 16-page length makes it substantial enough to anchor a program section without overwhelming rehearsal time.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and sustaining SATB harmony with independent voice parts
  • Connecting text expression to harmonic color and phrasing
  • Blending folk-influenced melodic language with classical voice-leading principles

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