Back to Before: SSA Choral Octavo
from the Broadway musical Ragtime
Music by Stephen Flaherty, words by Lynn Ahrens / arr. Lisa DeSpain
Item: 00-PO-0006422
$2.20
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
An epic ballad from Broadway's Ragtime, a true masterwork of 20th-century musical theater. Exploring themes of identity, personal and societal change, and inner resilience, Lisa DeSpain's arrangement makes adept use of women's voices from start to finish, creating an unforgettable emotional and musical journey for both singer and listener.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0006422
More about this title
About the Composer: Stephen Flaherty
Stephen Flaherty has established himself as one of Broadway's most accomplished composers, creating the scores for landmark musicals including Ragtime, Anastasia, and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet. His work consistently demonstrates a gift for lyrical melody combined with sophisticated harmonic language that serves both the emotional depth of a story and the vocal capabilities of performers.
Flaherty's orchestrations and vocal writing reveal a composer deeply attuned to the human voice. His scores have earned him Grammy Awards, Tony nominations, and a devoted following among music directors who value repertoire that challenges singers while remaining accessible to diverse skill levels.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the raw emotional power of Ragtime's central ballad while crafting a piece that sits comfortably within the range and technical reach of treble choirs. DeSpain's orchestration for SSA voices builds momentum and harmonic richness without requiring advanced vocal technique, making it genuinely rewarding for singers to inhabit rather than just execute.
What to expect
Introspective yet powerful, this ballad moves through a landscape of personal reflection and quiet determination. The piece builds gradually, layering vocal lines to create moments of profound beauty alongside passages that feel almost conversational, drawing listeners into an intimate emotional world that resonates far beyond the Broadway stage.
Who it's for
This octavo works well for treble choirs at the intermediate to advanced level who want to tackle Broadway repertoire with genuine substance. It's ideal for groups seeking a solo showcase piece that showcases ensemble singing rather than soloists, and for directors programming concerts that aim to blend musical theater with concert music credibility.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the emotional stakes early. The opening needs to feel introspective and personal before the piece builds; encourage singers to connect with the lyrical content from measure one rather than treating it as a warmup passage.
- Balance the harmony parts with the melodic line, especially in the fuller sections where all three voices are moving. This piece relies on blend and tuning to create its intended emotional impact.
- Shape the phrasing across entire phrases rather than stopping at each barline. The arrangement respects the natural breath points of the text, so follow those cues rather than imposing mechanical phrasing.
- Use dynamic contrast thoughtfully. The arrangement includes several layers of intensity; help singers understand which moments should recede and which should advance the emotional narrative.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece for a concert segment exploring themes of resilience and social change, or pair it with other art song literature to demonstrate how Broadway composers approach storytelling with the same sophistication as classical songwriters. It can also serve as a closing piece for a concert dedicated to musical theater, offering emotional weight and vocal artistry that leaves a lasting impression.
Skills your students will build
- Sustained phrasing across longer melodic lines
- Part independence in three-voice harmony
- Musical storytelling through dynamic shaping and text expression
- Harmonic awareness and blend in close-voiced writing
- Interpretation of Broadway repertoire with concert music sensibility