Black Horse and the Cherry Tree (arr. Kristine Tjornholm): SSAA Choral Octavo

Kristine Tjornholm's arrangement captures what makes the original so propulsive—that galloping rhythm and the almost playful defiance in Tunstall's vocal line—while opening it up for choir voices. The SSAA setting keeps things bright and accessible without losing the song's edge, making it equally at home in a pop concert or a mixed repertoire show where you want something with real personality.

Confident and playful, with a hint of sass. The song swaggers without being heavy; there's lightness in the rhythm and just enough narrative tension to keep listeners curious about where it's heading.

Choirs seeking contemporary material that engages audiences without requiring extensive rehearsal time or apologizing for pop roots. This works equally well for mixed-voice groups looking for one women's voicing selection or as a feature for an SSAA ensemble.

• Nail the rhythmic precision of the main hook; this song lives and dies by groove. Even slight rhythmic wavering in the sopranos will deflate what makes it electric.
• Let the arrangement breathe during any thinner textures. Resist the urge to force volume in every phrase; contrast will make the full sections land harder.
• Pay attention to diction on the recurring lyrical hook. Clarity here is not optional; audiences need to hear exactly what the song is saying.

Position this as a palate cleanser between weightier art songs or classical arrangements. Its brevity and familiarity make it ideal for pops concerts, school assemblies, or any program where you want to signal that your choir has range and isn't afraid of contemporary music.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated pop idioms
• Maintaining groove and ensemble cohesion in contemporary styles
• Stylistically appropriate diction and articulation in pop contexts
• Part independence while supporting the melodic line