Last Christmas (arr. Martin Cornelissen): SAB Choral Octavo

Martin Cornelissen's arrangement captures the irresistible melodic hook that made this song a holiday staple without overcomplicating the SAB texture. The writing sits comfortably across three parts while preserving the track's signature pop energy, giving your singers a contemporary piece that feels both achievable and genuinely fun to perform.

Bright, nostalgic, and celebratory. The arrangement captures that peculiar magic where minor chords and wistful melody somehow convey joy rather than melancholy, creating a piece that feels both reflective and exuberant. Sing this, and you'll feel the holiday season settle into the room.

Choirs seeking contemporary holiday material that appeals to young singers and general audiences alike will find this arrangement engaging and performable. The SAB voicing makes it accessible to developing choirs while the pop provenance ensures immediate recognition and warmth from listeners.

• Keep the rhythmic drive steady throughout; this arrangement thrives on the forward momentum of the original, so resist the temptation to linger on held notes.
• Balance the three parts carefully in rehearsal, particularly where the melody passes between sections. Full sound matters less than clarity of line.
• Consider how your soloists will handle moments of prominence. The arrangement likely features passages where one or two voices carry the tune; give those singers space to shine without drowning out the harmonic support.
• Use a recording of the original as a reference for phrasing and articulation, but translate those ideas into choices that work acoustically for your choir.

Pair this with one or two traditional carols and a secular pop or jazz selection to create a varied holiday concert that spans musical eras. The familiarity of the song makes it an excellent closer for a winter concert, especially when you want to leave your audience humming on their way out.

• Tracking a pop melody through multiple voices
• Maintaining rhythmic precision in contemporary harmony
• Blending SAB parts with distinct timbral balance
• Performing contemporary arrangements with stylistic authenticity