Dance of the Elves: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Ruth Morris Gray's arrangement captures the sparkle and forward momentum of Grieg's original without losing its character. The addition of clever lyrics transforms a beloved classical miniature into something your choir can sink their teeth into, and the recorded accompaniment means you can focus entirely on vocal blend and interpretation rather than piano support.

The piece sparkles with elfin mischief and genuine joy, never slipping into saccharine territory despite its festive subject matter. You hear Grieg's elegant piano voice translated into choral color, creating a sense of lightness and sophistication that elevates the entire holiday program.

Holiday concerts need freshness, and this piece delivers it for intermediate-to-advanced choir programs looking beyond traditional carols. Directors programming secular winter music will find a witty, polished option that audiences genuinely enjoy singing and hearing.

• Keep the tempo brisk and maintain energy throughout; the 'spry' character depends on singers feeling the momentum rather than dragging any phrase
• Shape the phrases with subtle dynamic swells rather than dramatic contrasts to honor the delicate orchestration implied by the arrangement
• Pay attention to diction clarity on the text; novelty arrangements succeed when audiences hear every word without effort
• Use the recorded accompaniment to establish the harmonic foundation early in rehearsal, then strip it away once your choir has internalized the melodic and rhythmic framework

Place this early in your winter concert to establish an upbeat tone and shift audience energy away from reverent carols. It pairs well with a contrasting a cappella piece or a more traditional arrangement later in the set, creating programming balance that keeps listeners engaged.

• Singing with rhythmic precision in a dance-like tempo without rushing
• Balancing multiple independent melodic lines in a moderately complex texture
• Clear diction and character delivery within a novelty arrangement context
• Responding to recorded accompaniment with secure intonation and ensemble listening