Let's Fall in Love: SSA Choral Octavo

Jay Althouse's medley captures Porter's signature blend of melody and sass in a format that works beautifully for SSA groups. At 8.5 minutes, this is substantial enough to command a concert slot without requiring a full Broadway-length commitment, and the arranging brings out the jazz idioms that make Porter's music feel contemporary rather than dated.

Sophisticated and playful in equal measure. Porter's melodies are instantly recognizable and deeply singable, while the arrangement's jazz harmonies and rhythmic precision give the piece a modern sheen. There's an unmistakable elegance throughout, tempered by moments of genuine wit and charm.

This medley suits SSA choirs (or SSAA groups singing the SSA version) with at least intermediate musicianship. Singers comfortable with jazz vocabulary, rhythmic independence, and vibrant style will thrive here. It's equally at home in a concert setting for an auditioned ensemble or a community choir ready to stretch beyond traditional choral sound.

• Lean into the rhythmic swagger of Porter's style. These songs demand clarity in syncopation; mark the backbeats and half-beats in your rehearsals so the ensemble locks the groove rather than playing it straight.
• Balance the harmonic sophistication against lyrical clarity. Porter's chords are rich, but they should never obscure the text. Have singers mark where the important words land and sing through to them with intention.
• Use the recorded accompaniment strategically in early rehearsals to establish the jazz idiom, then gradually reduce reliance on it so your singers develop independent phrasing within the groove.
• Pay attention to dynamic contrast between songs in the medley. Each Porter standard has its own character; resetting the energy and mood between sections keeps the piece fresh rather than feeling like a through-composed block of similar material.

Program this as a centerpiece for a concert exploring American standards or jazz-influenced repertoire. The medley format lets you celebrate multiple Porter songs without programming separate pieces, making it ideal for shows organized by composer, era, or style. It also pairs beautifully with classical or contemporary choral works, offering audiences a refreshing shift in color and character.

• Rhythmic independence within jazz-influenced accompaniment
• Phrasing in syncopated, jazz-inflected material
• Part independence in SSA voicing with harmonic sophistication
• Dynamic contrast and style shifts across a medley structure
• Articulation and diction at various tempos and musical characters