Before the World Was Made: SSA Choral Octavo
Words by W. B. Yeats, music by Enrique Lacárcel B.
Item: 00-PO-0007440
$2.40
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
The search for inner beauty is at the heart of this contemplative William Butler Yeats text. A colorful harmonic palate and soaring vocal lines give this opulent concert setting a contemporary flair. Resonant triadic harmonies are crafted especially for experienced SSA singers. The decorative piano part makes it an ideal feature for your collaborative accompanist. Concert or contest repertoire with an edge of excellence.
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Additional Details
Series:
Lawson-Gould
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0007440
More about this title
Why we love this
Lacárcel writes for SSA with genuine understanding of how voices sit in these ranges; the harmony never feels thin or apologetic. This piece manages to be sophisticated enough for a festival setting while remaining genuinely singable for experienced singers who aren't necessarily at an elite level. The piano part earns its place in the ensemble rather than simply supporting.
What to expect
Reflective and opulent. Resonant chords create a sense of depth and introspection, while the soaring vocal lines remind listeners that inner beauty is something to aspire toward. The writing feels modern but never cold.
Who it's for
Advanced SSA choirs preparing for concert performances or festival competitions. This repertoire asks singers to navigate contemporary harmonic language and sustain lyrical lines with technical security.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the inner voices carefully during the harmonic progressions. The colorful sonorities only register when each line is heard clearly; resist the temptation to let the sopranos dominate.
- Work the text with intention. Yeats's meditation on inner beauty will guide your interpretation of phrasing and dynamic shape more effectively than trying to impose a predetermined tempo.
- Give your accompanist adequate rehearsal time with the choir. The piano writing is substantial, and synchronized releases and entrance cues will define the piece's contemporary edge.
How to use it
Position this as a centerpiece or closing piece for a concert focused on literary art song or contemporary choral writing. It pairs well with other concert-level SSA repertoire and works especially effectively on a program that includes collaborative piano works.
Skills your students will build
- Reading contemporary harmonic language and chord progressions
- Sustaining long vocal lines with consistent tone quality
- Balancing triadic harmonies across three parts
- Interpreting poetic text with musical coherence
- Ensemble blend and intonation in colorful harmonic contexts