Like a River Sheet Music Preview

Like a River: 2-Part/SSA Choral Octavo

Music by David Lantz III and Marti Lunn Lantz

Item: 00-PO-0003859

Digital Download
$2.25

Minimum order quantity: 20 copies

Description
An original, flowing ballad with a text about life, "moving forward like a river running free." Simple part writing in all voicings. The haunting opening and closing may be sung by a soloist or soloists of any voice part. Add two flutes (included in the publication) for a sensitive accompaniment. Great melody...lovely to sing for any age choir.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 12
SKU: 00-PO-0003859
Instrumentation: Opt. 2 Flutes

More about this title

About the Composer: David Lantz

David Lantz is a prolific composer whose work spans choral, instrumental, and educational music. His compositions are known for their accessibility, singable melodies, and thoughtful text setting, making them staples in school and community choral programs across the United States.

Lantz has collaborated frequently with his wife, Marti Lunn Lantz, on choral works that balance musical sophistication with practical classroom needs. His output reflects a deep understanding of what singers at all levels can achieve and what audiences find genuinely moving.

Why we love this

This piece solves a genuine programming need: a unison or light two-part work with real musical substance and an affirming, contemporary text that resonates with young singers. The optional flute parts elevate the arrangement without creating dependency on instrumentation, giving you flexibility whether you have flute players available or not.

What to expect

Like a River flows with gentle inevitability, neither rushing nor stalling. The haunting solo sections feel introspective and vulnerable, while the fuller passages gain warmth and momentum without becoming loud or forceful. There's a meditative quality throughout, grounded in hope rather than sentimentality.

Who it's for

This octavo works equally well for middle school and high school choirs, as well as community and treble choir singers of any age. The simple part writing makes it accessible for younger or less experienced ensembles, while the melodic beauty and text depth satisfy more advanced singers seeking meaningful repertoire.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the haunting opening solo moment with generous breath and silence; resist the urge to rush into the harmonic entrance. The intimacy of that solo carries weight throughout the piece.
  • Balance the flute parts carefully during tuttis so they enhance rather than cover the vocal line. These parts function as sensitive counterpoint, not accompaniment.
  • Lean into the flowing, riverlike quality of the melody by keeping phrase arcs gentle and continuous. Avoid choppy articulation on consecutive notes.
  • Rehearse the closing solo statement separately so students understand it mirrors the opening and carries the piece's thematic journey to completion.

How to use it

Pair this with other contemporary secular works that explore themes of growth or resilience for a thematic program focused on personal journeys. It also works beautifully as a calming, reflective moment in a longer concert, particularly near the closing of your set.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing sustained, flowing melodic lines with consistent breath support
  • Balancing solo and ensemble singing within the same piece
  • Part independence in simple two-part and SSA voicings
  • Responding to text-painting and emotional arc in contemporary choral music
  • Ensemble blend and intonation in sustained harmonic passages

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