Embraceable You: SATB, a cappella Choral Octavo
Music and lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin / arr. Kirby Shaw
Level: Moderate
Item: 00-PO-0002967
$2.00
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Kirby Shaw's tradition for creating exceptional a cappella ballads continues with this wonderful arrangement of the Gershwin® classic "Embraceable You." Showcase your singers with this very special arrangement!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
4
SKU:
00-PO-0002967
More about this title
About the Composer: George Gershwin
George Gershwin (1898-1937) bridged popular song and classical composition with an ease few composers have matched. His melodies became the soundtrack to American culture, and his harmonic language combined jazz idioms with sophisticated voice leading that continues to challenge and delight musicians across all genres.
Gershwin's gift for memorable, singable lines made his songs natural vehicles for choral arrangement. Works like "Embraceable You" showcase his ability to write music that feels both intimate and universally resonant, which is why his Great American Songbook standards remain essential repertoire for choirs seeking material with genuine emotional depth.
Why we love this
Kirby Shaw has a well-earned reputation for crafting a cappella ballads that sit beautifully in the voice and respect the song's harmonic sophistication. This arrangement lets the Gershwin melody shine while providing enough harmonic interest to keep singers engaged; it's the kind of piece that sounds effortless when performed well but demands genuine musicianship from your ensemble.
What to expect
"Embraceable You" invites singers and listeners into a moment of tender vulnerability. The harmonic language wraps around the melody with warmth, creating an atmosphere that feels both classic and emotionally immediate, as though the song is being sung directly to someone in the room.
Who it's for
This arrangement suits intermediate to advancing choirs ready to tackle a cappella singing with harmonic independence and blend. Singers need solid intonation, comfort with their parts, and the ability to maintain line while listening across the ensemble.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the phrase as a single arc rather than breaking it into smaller gestures; Gershwin's melodies breathe as whole units, and the harmonic progression supports continuous forward motion.
- Balance the four parts carefully so the melody emerges without drowning the inner voices; the arrangement relies on harmonic clarity, not volume differentiation.
- Find the legit mix that lets sopranos sing with warmth and weight without pushing into soprano-belt territory; this is a ballad, and the intimacy matters more than power.
- Attend to the lyrical quality of each syllable; diction should feel conversational, as if singers are sharing something personal rather than performing a showstopper.
How to use it
Program this as a contrasting piece alongside more energetic choral fare, or lead a concert set with it as your opening number to establish an intimate tone. The moderate difficulty and straightforward four-page format make it practical for festival or contest programming while remaining substantial enough for a formal recital.
Skills your students will build
- A cappella intonation and balance across four independent parts
- Harmonic awareness and voice independence within a jazz-influenced harmonic context
- Legit vocal production with sustained line and lyrical diction
- Phrase shaping and rubato within a ballad context