Charade: SATB Choral Octavo

Ed Lojeski's arrangement captures the elegance and harmonic richness of this iconic standard without demanding excessive technical range or demanding part independence. The piece sits comfortably for mixed choirs while preserving the song's sophisticated character, making it an ideal choice for groups seeking material that sounds polished without requiring advanced vocal soloists.

Suave and urbane, this arrangement evokes intimate jazz club sophistication wrapped in the warmth of a full ensemble sound. The harmonies shimmer with chromatic movement and subtle jazz inflections that feel both elegant and conversational, never precious or overly formal.

This octavo works well for choirs with solid fundamental skills in blend and intonation who want to expand beyond traditional classical territory. Community choruses, sacred choirs branching into secular programming, and high school ensembles preparing for jazz or pops concerts all benefit from this accessible yet sophisticated arrangement.

• Shape the melodic line with subtle dynamic contours rather than remaining at a single volume level; the lyrical quality depends on the singers' ability to breathe naturally within longer phrases
• Balance the four parts carefully in ensemble sections so that no single voice dominates; test your balance in close proximity to hear exactly what the blend reveals
• Approach the harmonic language as a jazz standard, allowing for slight flexibility in tempo and rhythmic spacing rather than metronomic precision

Place this alongside other mid-century standards or Broadway selections on a secular concert to showcase your choir's versatility in non-classical repertoire. It pairs naturally with other Lojeski arrangements or serves as a sophisticated closer to a program otherwise rooted in traditional choral literature.

• Sustaining long legit lines while maintaining forward momentum in jazz contexts
• Balancing four independent vocal lines in close jazz harmonies
• Interpreting chromatic harmonic movement and jazz voicings
• Flexible approach to tempo and phrasing appropriate to popular standards