Candlelight Canon: SSA Choral Octavo
Words and music by Andy Beck
Item: 00-PO-0003597
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Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
A reflection on the candle as a symbol of peace, this simple yet elegant selection is appropriate for choirs of all ages, at any time of year. The beautiful single-octave melody (from D to D) is sung in unison before becoming a round. A contrasting refrain pleases the ear and warms the heart.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0003597
More about this title
About the Composer: Andy Beck
Andy Beck directs choral publications at Alfred Music and has composed and arranged more than 450 works for singers of all ages, from children's musicals to sophisticated choral literature. His pedagogical resources, including Sing at First Sight and Vocalize! 45 Vocal Warm-Ups That Teach Technique, are recognized throughout the profession for their clarity and musicality. He holds degrees in music education from Ithaca College and Northwest Missouri State University and maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for honor choirs across the country.
Beyond his publishing work, Beck performs regularly as a tenor with the North Carolina Master Chorale Chamber Choir and has appeared as a studio singer for Alfred Music since 1992. His commissions include honor choir appearances throughout the Southeast, and his compositions circulate globally through performances by choirs at every level. His approach to choral writing reflects a deep commitment to music literacy and accessible artistry.
Why we love this
This piece demonstrates Beck's gift for pairing simplicity with genuine musical substance. The unison opening followed by canon structure builds confidence in less experienced singers while maintaining enough sophistication to satisfy developing ensembles, and the shift to a contrasting refrain gives singers a rewarding change of texture without introducing unnecessary complexity.
What to expect
Warm and contemplative, with the gentle luminosity suggested by the candlelight imagery. The unison melody establishes a peaceful foundation before the canon adds texture and depth, creating intimacy without sentimentality. The contrasting refrain offers moments of brightness that feel earned rather than forced.
Who it's for
Any choir seeking accessible yet musical literature for winter programming, holiday services, or general concerts. The unison opening makes it suitable for mixed-age ensembles and developing singers, while the canon structure and refrain provide musicianship growth for choirs with some ensemble experience.
How to get the most out of it
- Begin the unison section with a warm, centered tone; the single-octave melody will shine when voices blend rather than protrude individually.
- Shape the canon entries carefully so each voice part remains clear without sacrificing the legato line. Mark entry points in advance and rehearse imitative sections separately by voice.
- Let the contrasting refrain breathe musically. Use dynamic and harmonic contrast to heighten the shift in character and create genuine variety within the piece.
- If using the recorded accompaniment, listen to it in rehearsal to internalize the overall sound, then practice removing it in sections to build independence before performance.
How to use it
Place this in winter or holiday concerts as a reflective centerpiece between more energetic selections, or program it at the opening of a Chanukah or Christmas service where its meditation on light and peace sets a meaningful tone. The piece works equally well as a standalone winter concert selection or as part of a larger thematic program about hope and reflection.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in unison with blend and supported tone
- Canon entry and voice independence in imitative textures
- Contrast in character between sections through dynamic and interpretive choices
- Music literacy through reading SSA notation and following melodic contours