Embraceable You: SAB Choral Octavo

Strommen's arrangement captures the warmth and elegance of Gershwin's original without demanding extensive rehearsal time. The SAB voicing makes this accessible to developing choirs while the lush harmonic writing keeps experienced singers engaged. It's a showpiece that builds confidence in any ensemble.

Warm and intimate, like sharing a confession over a quiet moment. The writing breathes with the natural phrasing of speech, and the harmonic progressions have that distinctly Gershwin quality of being both familiar and sophisticated. Singers often feel a genuine emotional connection to this music.

This arrangement works beautifully for developing SAB choirs that have solid ensemble blend and basic part independence. It's equally valuable for more experienced groups looking for a classic that rehearses efficiently and programs well in concert or competition settings.

• Shape the melody phrase by phrase rather than bar by bar. Let the singers breathe at logical points in the song's arc, even when the notation doesn't require it.
• Balance the inner voices carefully during the harmonic sections. The arrangement's beauty depends on hearing the supporting parts, not just the top line.
• Work the accompaniment independently before combining it with voices. A secure, responsive piano part gives your singers the harmonic and rhythmic foundation they need to settle into the lyrical style.
• Treat the text with genuine affection. This song works when singers understand they're expressing real emotion, not just displaying technique.

Program this as a centerpiece of a pops or standards-focused concert, or use it as an elegant transition between more energetic pieces. It also works well as a showcase for your intermediate choirs during festival appearances or community performances where audience recognition matters.

• Singing legato lines with proper breath support and phrase shaping
• Blending three distinct voice parts while maintaining clarity of individual lines
• Interpreting jazz-influenced harmony and understanding voice leading in extended chords
• Responding to accompaniment cues and maintaining ensemble cohesion with piano
• Connecting text to musical intent and sustaining emotional expression across a complete song