Elastic Heart (feat. The Weeknd and Diplo) (arr. Timothy C. Takach): SATB Choral Octavo

Timothy Takach's arrangement captures the emotional core of this modern pop anthem while making it accessible for mixed choir singers. The stripped-down vulnerability of the original translates beautifully to a cappella or accompanied voicing, giving students authentic contemporary material that doesn't sacrifice musical integrity. Programming a piece this recognizable alongside classical repertoire signals to your singers and audiences that choral music includes the music young people actually care about.

Haunting and intimate, even when full harmonies enter. There's an undercurrent of determination beneath the vulnerability, as if the song itself is bracing for impact. The arrangement invites singers to connect emotionally with lyrics about resilience and survival.

Any director seeking to expand their repertoire with songs that resonate with student singers and modern audiences. This works equally well for community choirs, show choirs, or concert ensembles looking to include contemporary pop in a meaningful way.

• Balance the melody across voice parts carefully during unison or octave passages; clarity matters more than blend when navigating contemporary pop harmonies.
• Let the lyrics drive phrasing rather than relying on strict metric regularity. The emotional arc of each phrase should feel conversational and genuine.
• If using accompaniment, resist the urge to push tempo; this song earns its power through space and restraint rather than energy.
• Attend to dynamic contrast between verses and choruses. The original features intimate verses and building intensity, a dynamic landscape your arrangement likely preserves.

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements to create a thematic set, or use it as a closing number to showcase your ensemble's versatility and connection to student culture. It also works effectively as a concert opener that immediately engages both performers and audience.

• Singing contemporary pop idioms with authentic phrasing and vocal production
• Balancing tight harmonic structures with emotional expression
• Reading and performing music that doesn't rely on traditional metric predictability
• Navigating upper and lower register demands across different voice parts