From Living Stones: SATB Choral Octavo

Martin's collaborative work with David Angerman brings sophistication and accessibility together in a way that doesn't require sacrificing one for the other. The orchestration and harmonic language feel contemporary yet rooted in choral tradition, giving singers something genuinely musical to sink their teeth into without overwhelming rehearsal schedules.

The piece carries a reflective, contemporary sensibility while maintaining the warmth of hymnic writing. Harmonic color and textural variety keep the twelve pages engaging without venturing into overly complex territory.

This octavo works for choirs with solid four-part blend and reasonable rehearsal time. Both church music programs and secular concert ensembles will find it a worthy addition to their repertoire.

• Balance the text intelligibility with the harmonic texture by shaping phrases through breath points rather than rushing between sections.
• Give the accompaniment its own attention during rehearsals; the piano writing supports and colors the vocal lines in ways that reveal the composition's architecture.
• Mark dynamic transitions clearly in all parts so the ensemble moves together through the emotional arc without losing ensemble cohesion.

Pair this with other Martin arrangements for a thematic concert, or place it as an anchor piece in a mixed sacred and secular program where its emotional weight can breathe. It works equally well for spring concerts and worship services that value artistic depth.

• Four-part SATB balance and blend
• Interpretation of contemporary harmonic language
• Ensemble coordination with piano accompaniment
• Phrase shaping and breathing for longer melodic lines