Embraceable You: SSAA Choral Octavo

Jay Althouse's arrangement captures the elegant sophistication of Gershwin's melody while making it genuinely singable for SSA and SSAA choirs. This is a standard that deserves to be sung across skill levels, and Althouse's voicing respects the harmonic language of the original without oversimplifying it. Programming this piece signals to your singers that popular song can be a legitimate part of artistic choral repertoire.

"Embraceable You" wraps you in warmth and affection. The Gershwin melody has an unhurried, conversational quality, and this arrangement preserves that intimate tone even as it builds harmonic richness around the singers. There's a gentle swing to the rhythm that makes the piece feel sophisticated without being theatrical.

This arrangement works for intermediate to advanced SSA and SSAA choirs looking to program sophisticated popular song repertoire. It's especially valuable for groups wanting to explore the intersection of jazz sensibility and choral writing, or those seeking a standard that feels both accessible and musically substantial.

• Shape the opening phrases with subtle dynamic contours rather than singing them straight; the melody's beauty lives in how you color each phrase.
• Balance the inner voices carefully so they support the melody without overwhelming it, especially in the arrangement's harmonic transitions.
• Let the jazz inflections breathe naturally. Avoid over-swinging; instead, let the Gershwin harmonies speak for themselves.
• Use the text warmly and conversationally. This is a love song, and the words should feel genuine rather than performed.

Pair this with other standards or contemporary arrangements to create a jazz or American songbook program. It works as a concert centerpiece for groups with strong singers, or as the focal point of a set exploring Gershwin's influence on American music. The eight-page format keeps the learning curve manageable for a fall or winter concert.

• Balancing melody and harmony in close voicing
• Singing with jazz inflection and swing feel
• Phrasing popular song repertoire with conversational warmth
• Reading SSAA/SSA voicing and part independence
• Executing smooth voice leading through Gershwin's sophisticated harmonies