Both Sides Now (arr. Roger Emerson): Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by Joni Mitchell / Arranged by Roger Emerson
Item: 35-PK01286377
$28.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Taken in the context of modern cultural offerings of singular musical artistic expression, Joni Mitchell's 1969 masterpiece stands out as a touchstone of style, lyricism and theme. Roger Emerson, himself carving out a space in the late-'60s southern California rock scene when "Both Sides Now" was written, sets up the Canadian's inimitable refrains and rhymes in a choral setting in a way that is absolutely astounding.
Both Sides Now (arr. Roger Emerson): Choral Instrumental Pak isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01286377
More about this title
About the Artist: Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell emerged as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the late 20th century, known for her sophisticated harmonic language, poetic lyrics, and willingness to reinvent her sound across decades. Her work from the late 1960s and early 1970s established her as a master of introspective storytelling paired with innovative guitar tunings and arrangements that challenged the folk music traditions of her era.
Mitchell's compositions have become standards in choral and educational settings because they balance emotional depth with musical accessibility. Her ability to distill complex feelings into memorable melodies makes her work particularly rewarding for student performers and audiences alike.
Why we love this
Roger Emerson's arrangement respects the interiority and reflective quality of Mitchell's composition while finding new textures within the choral medium. The arrangement works because it trusts the song's central gift: a melody and lyric so strong they can sustain fresh harmonic colors without losing their soul.
What to expect
Contemplative and elegant, with the kind of wistful quality that comes from looking back at life with both joy and sorrow. The arrangement creates space for Mitchell's characteristic melodic grace to emerge while adding harmonic colors that feel fresh without overwhelming the song's intimacy.
Who it's for
Choirs looking to expand beyond traditional pop or show tune arrangements into folk repertoire with real harmonic depth. Advanced high school or college ensembles comfortable with introspective material and contemporary song interpretation.
How to get the most out of it
- Pay close attention to phrase breathing. Mitchell's original phrasing often falls against conventional bar lines, so work with singers to understand where the text naturally lands rather than where measures divide.
- Let the chord movement underneath the melody breathe. Emerson's arrangement likely adds harmonic sophistication that benefits from space between changes rather than rushed voice leading.
- Connect the imagery of the lyrics to tone production. The song moves through reflection and acceptance; your singers should feel that emotional arc reflected in their dynamic choices and vowel colors.
How to use it
This works beautifully in a concert exploring singer-songwriter traditions or as part of a program that mixes folk repertoire with contemporary choral writing. It pairs well alongside art songs and other introspective pieces, offering audiences a familiar entry point into more sophisticated choral arranging.
Skills your students will build
- Singing contemporary art songs with historical awareness
- Responding to harmonic color changes that support lyrical content
- Interpreting folk melody within choral texture
- Phrasing across bar lines in service of text and music