In December: SATB Choral Octavo

Althouse has crafted something genuinely inclusive here. Rather than writing yet another Christmas piece or yet another Chanukah piece, he uses candlelight as the connective symbol across all December observances, allowing choirs to program this authentically for diverse audiences. The melody sits naturally in the voice, the harmonies reward careful ensemble work without demanding technical heroics, and the optional clarinet parts give you flexibility depending on your instrumentation.

Quiet reverence meets communal warmth. The piece unfolds with a meditative quality that invites listeners into reflection rather than celebration, yet never feels somber or distant. The candlelight imagery creates an intimate, almost sacred atmosphere where simplicity becomes its own kind of eloquence.

Intermediate to advanced SATB choirs preparing for winter concerts who want to move beyond the familiar seasonal repertoire. This works equally well for programs that celebrate a single December tradition or those representing multiple communities, making it a natural choice for schools and ensembles with diverse memberships.

• Let the harmonic movement breathe. The piece's power comes from its restraint, so resist the urge to drive through sections. Shape phrases around the text's natural pacing.
• Balance the parts carefully in rehearsal. With rich harmonies, inner voices can easily disappear; make sure altos and tenors hear themselves in the fuller passages.
• If you use the clarinet parts, allow them room to shine without overwhelming the voices. These instruments should feel like they're reflecting the choir's melody, not competing with it.

Position this as a centerpiece for the first half of your concert, where it can set a contemplative tone before transitioning into more energetic seasonal fare. It also pairs beautifully with instrumental interludes or other multicultural works, helping you build a program that feels cohesive rather than like a grab bag of holiday songs.

• Sustaining phrasing through harmonic changes in SATB texture
• Balancing ensemble blend when inner voices carry harmonic weight
• Interpreting text-driven rubato and tempo flexibility
• Coordinate between optional instrumental and vocal lines