For the Beauty of the Earth: SAB Choral Octavo

$2.25 USD

For the Beauty of the Earth: SAB Choral Octavo

Name: For the Beauty of the Earth: SAB Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-18673
Price: 2.25 USD
Availability: InStock

Words by Folliott S. Pierpoint, music by Susan Biggs / arr. Jay Althouse

Item: 00-18673

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A contemporary, rhythmic setting of the traditional "For the Beauty of the Earth" text written exclusively for young and developing choirs. Much rhythmic repetition makes it easy to learn. Simple vocal lines, with the melody given to all voice parts.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, For the Beauty of the Earth: SAB Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 12

UPC: 038081173139

SKU: 00-18673

More about this title

About the Composer: Susan Biggs

Susan Biggs has established herself as a composer and arranger with a gift for creating accessible yet musically satisfying work for developing ensembles. Her compositions prioritize clarity of line and purposeful repetition, making her arrangements particularly valuable for young choirs building foundational skills.

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Why we love this

Biggs and arranger Jay Althouse have crafted something genuinely useful here: a setting that respects the hymn's spiritual weight while acknowledging what developing choirs can actually execute. The rhythmic repetition isn't a shortcut; it's a pedagogical tool that lets singers internalize the melody and text without drowning in complexity. You can teach this quickly and still have a piece your choir feels ownership over.

What to expect

Fresh and accessible, with an almost folk-like warmth. The contemporary rhythmic language keeps the traditional text from feeling dated, while the simplified vocal writing and frequent melodic unison moments create moments of genuine singing rather than technical struggle.

Who it's for

Young and developing choirs seeking a sacred piece that feels achievable without sacrificing musicality. Choir directors working with singers at the intermediate level will find this particularly valuable for groups building confidence in three-part singing.

How to get the most out of it

Keep the steady rhythmic pulse front and center. This piece gains clarity and momentum when the accompaniment locks in with consistent forward motion.
Distribute the melody awareness across all three parts rather than isolating it to one voice. Since every part carries the tune at some point, encourage singers to listen for where their own line interweaves with the others.
Shape the text with attention to phrase endings. The rhythmic repetition can flatten dynamics if you're not deliberate about breathing and releasing at punctuation marks.
Balance the parts so no single voice dominates. The arrangement's strength lies in how all three parts contribute equally; resist the urge to let soprano cover everything.

How to use it

This works exceptionally well for holiday concerts (Christmas and Epiphany services), Earth Day celebrations, or any program calling for congregational-style sacred music. The straightforward arrangement and approachable length make it ideal for a mid-set offering that gives your ensemble a chance to breathe while the audience connects with familiar words.