Last Night Was The End Of The World (arr. Barbershop Harmony Society): SSAA Choral Octavo

Barbershop arrangements of classic Tin Pan Alley songs strike a natural balance between accessibility and genuine four-part writing. This SSAA voicing opens the repertoire to women's ensembles while preserving the close harmonies and ringing seventh chords that make barbershop style instantly recognizable and rewarding to perform.

A wistful, romantic snapshot of early 20th-century popular song. The piece unfolds with gentle nostalgia and the kind of harmonic warmth that comes from close four-part writing, creating intimate moments even in larger ensemble settings.

Women's choirs, treble ensembles, and mixed groups looking for charming early American repertoire with strong harmonic substance. Directors seeking material that teaches authentic barbershop sound without requiring four-part male voicing will find this arrangement both accessible and musically honest.

• Balance the melody between the soprano sections so the tune sits clearly on top without losing the warmth of the harmonic foundation underneath.
• Shape the phrase endings with a slight ritardando and diminuendo to honor the sentimental character of the lyric.
• Lock the inner voices (alto parts) on their rhythmic counterpoint; they drive the harmonic momentum beneath the melody.
• Emphasize the vowel consistency across the choir, particularly on sustained chords where blend directly affects the barbershop ring.

Position this alongside other Tin Pan Alley standards or American songbook selections to build a thematic program celebrating early 20th-century song. It works equally well as a standalone piece at a concert celebrating barbershop tradition or as part of a medley with other Sterling and von Tilzer compositions.

• Singing close harmonies and tuning seventh chords characteristic of barbershop style
• Maintaining independence in inner voice parts while supporting the melody
• Shaping lyrical phrases with appropriate rubato and dynamic control
• Blending vowels across multiple sections to achieve harmonic resonance