Howard Goodall's Great Big Tunes: SAB Choral Book

Goodall's Psalm 23 and the theme medley tap into repertoire your singers already know and love from television, which creates instant enthusiasm and removes barriers to engagement. The arrangements themselves are clever without being condescending; they maintain the memorable character of these themes while fitting squarely within the technical range of developing choirs. You get two contrasting pieces (one reflective, one celebratory) that still feel substantial enough to matter on a program.

Psalm 23 unfolds with the calm dignity you expect from a hymn-like meditation, while the medley shifts into bright, energetic terrain that celebrates some of British comedy's most iconic moments. The overall collection balances introspection and joy, allowing singers to experience both intimate ensemble work and the fun of performing music that audiences recognize and love.

This collection is designed for choirs in the early stages of development, especially those with limited male membership or singers whose voices are still settling. Younger singers and adult beginner choirs will find these arrangements immediately satisfying and achievable without sacrificing musical substance.

• Shape the opening of Psalm 23 with genuine legit phrasing rather than reverential slowness; Goodall's melody responds well to forward momentum even at a modest tempo.
• In the medley, use light articulation on the Mr Bean theme to capture its comedic bounce without letting it turn frantic or lose the bass line underneath.
• Let the piano accompany breathe with the singers. These parts are written to support rather than drive, so resist the impulse to overpower the vocal lines.
• Mark section transitions clearly in rehearsal so altos and the combined men's part lock in together when the medley pivots between themes.

Pair these pieces on a concert where you want to anchor the program with something accessible and emotionally warm. The Psalm 23 works beautifully as a bridge between fully secular and sacred programming, while the medley serves as a natural closer that invites the audience into shared cultural memory. Consider programming them back-to-back to show the range your choir can deliver in a single set.

• Singing three-part SAB voicing with secure alto and tenor/bass independence
• Sustaining pure vowels across sustained passages in Psalm 23
• Articulation control and rhythmic clarity in the faster medley sections
• Following piano accompaniment that supports rather than doubles the vocal line