It's De-Lovely: SSA Choral Octavo

Jay Althouse's swing-inflected setting captures the playful flirtation of Porter's original without sacrificing singability for SSA voices. The arrangement lands somewhere between jazz-informed phrasing and accessibility, letting singers discover the wit embedded in both Porter's music and lyrics. You'll find your choir genuinely enjoying this one in rehearsal and bringing real personality to the performance.

Charming and gently cheeky, this duet sparkles with Porter's characteristic sophistication. The swing feel gives it an urban, contemporary edge despite its 1936 origins, making it feel modern and playful rather than nostalgic. There's genuine joy in the melody and a lightness in the orchestration that invites singers to perform with style and personality.

SSA choirs looking for repertoire that sits comfortably in the pop and standards repertoire while building musicianship. This works well for intermediate to advanced singers who can handle the rhythmic sophistication of swing phrasing without extensive jazz training. Groups performing cabaret-style concerts, Broadway-themed programs, or mixed-genre seasons will find this especially rewarding.

• Lean into the swing feel by sitting slightly behind the beat; resist the urge to land squarely on each downbeat. Let the rhythm breathe with a gentle lift.
• Shape phrases around the lyrical text rather than melodic contours alone. Porter's words are funny and pointed, so articulation clarity matters as much as legit tone.
• Use the recorded accompaniment as a rhythmic anchor during early rehearsals, then rehearse without it to build ensemble independence and confidence in the swing pocket.
• Balance blend in the upper voices while keeping the harmonic foundation clear. SSA voicing rewards precision in voice leading, especially in the close harmonies typical of this style.

Pair this with other standards from the American songbook to build a cohesive set, or use it as a breather between more serious choral works to showcase your singers' versatility and comic timing. The 12-page octavo and available recorded accompaniment make it manageable for groups working with limited rehearsal time. Its cabaret-friendly energy fits naturally into a concert that celebrates popular song or theatrical music.

• Swing rhythm and interpretation (jazz-influenced phrasing and articulation)
• Part independence in SSA voicing, particularly in three-part close harmony
• Lyrical communication and expression within a stylistically specific idiom
• Ensemble blend while maintaining clarity in a pop choral texture