In the Evening: SSAA Choral Octavo

Name: In the Evening: SSAA Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-43593
Price: 1.90 USD
Availability: InStock

Words and music by Jay Althouse

Item: 00-43593

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A unison pitch becomes a cluster chord and then blossoms into full contemporary choral harmony. Ample text painting, passing dissonance, and sensitive tempo and dynamic changes make this an excellent choice for accomplished choirs.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, In the Evening: SSAA 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 Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081491332

SKU: 00-43593

More about this title

About the Composer: Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse studied music education and music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he later received the Distinguished Alumni award. His three-decade career in music publishing gave him deep insight into what works in the choral classroom and concert hall; he served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America during his tenure as a rights and licenses administrator.

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Why we love this

Althouse builds harmonic sophistication without sacrificing accessibility. The piece moves from single pitch to cluster to full harmony in a way that feels organic rather than contrived, and the text painting and passing dissonance reward attentive listeners while keeping the singers engaged in expressive, meaningful work.

What to expect

The piece unfolds like watching light refract through a prism. What begins as a single, pure tone gradually splinters into richer, more complex harmonies, creating an arc that feels inevitable and moving. The text painting and dissonant moments add depth and introspection without becoming harsh.

Who it's for

Advanced SSA or SSAA choirs with solid intonation and the ability to sustain contemporary harmonic language. This piece rewards choirs that have developed blend, balance, and sensitivity to subtle dynamic changes.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the unison opening with absolute clarity so the transition to cluster chords lands with impact. The contrast between unity and complexity drives the piece.
Attend to the tempo and dynamic markings as compositional material, not decoration. Each shift signals an emotional turn and shapes how the harmony unfolds.
Shape the passing dissonances with intentional voice leading so they feel resolved rather than accidental. These moments are where the piece's harmonic language comes alive.

How to use it

Program this as part of a contemporary choral set, where it can sit alongside other pieces that explore modern harmonic language. Its eight-page length and a cappella format make it an ideal concert or festival selection that won't burden your rehearsal schedule while making a sophisticated musical statement.