I Put a Spell on You: SATB Choral Octavo

Jacob Narverud's arrangement captures the sultry, mischievous energy of the original while giving it room to breathe as a choral work. The piece balances accessibility with showmanship, allowing directors to program something genuinely entertaining without sacrificing musical integrity. Built-in flexibility with both SATB and SSA voicings, plus the full instrumentation options, makes this a workhorse for October concerts, pops programs, and end-of-year celebrations.

Hypnotic and playful, with an undercurrent of mischief that walks the line between seduction and menace. The arrangement pulses with groove and character, giving singers permission to commit fully to the sultry, slightly sinister mood that makes this song instantly recognizable.

Directors looking for a crowd-pleasing showstopper that works equally well in October programming or spring pops concerts. This arrangement serves mixed choirs of intermediate to advanced level who are comfortable with contemporary material and want something with genuine pop culture resonance and theatrical flair.

• Lean into the theatrical nature of the text. The spell is the story here, and your singers should feel like they're casting it, not just singing about it.
• Use the PartTrax mixes strategically: the part-predominant versions work well for sectional rehearsals to lock rhythms and blend, while the full accompaniment mixes are essential for performance stamina and feel.
• Shape the dynamics and phrasing to mirror Midler's iconic version without copying it outright. Find your choir's own interpretation of the seductive, slightly menacing tone.
• If you add choreography or staging, keep it sharp and minimal. The song's power lives in the vocal delivery; movement should enhance rather than distract.

This is your October closer or your pops concert centerpiece. It pairs naturally with other contemporary or novelty pieces and gives audiences permission to have fun. The built-in costume and choreography potential makes it an ideal anchor for a themed concert or a refreshing break in more formal programming.

• Rhythmic precision in contemporary, groove-based material
• Blending and balancing in a pop/R&B style texture
• Interpretive phrasing and stylistic nuance in non-classical material
• Sustained vocal control over longer phrases with rhythmic precision
• Ensemble cohesion while maintaining theatrical commitment