Look To The Rainbow (from Finian's Rainbow): SATB Choral Octavo
By Burton Lane / Arranged by John Purifoy
Item: 35-DS00151638
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$2.99
Minimum order quantity: 10 copies
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Description
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Burton Lane (1912–1997) was a master melodist whose gift for writing singable, memorable lines made him one of Broadway's most enduring composers. His collaboration with lyricist E.Y. Harburg on Finian's Rainbow produced some of the American musical theatre's most beloved songs, works that have transcended their original context to become standards in concert and educational settings.
Lane's music is characterized by sophisticated harmonic language paired with melodies that feel inevitable once heard. His work rewards both performers and audiences with the kind of craftsmanship that reveals new details with each encounter.
Why we love this
John Purifoy's arrangement captures the soaring optimism of this classic without overwhelming four-part singers. The voicing sits comfortably for developing choirs while preserving the song's emotional arc, making it equally valuable as a concert piece or as a teaching tool for understanding how Broadway melodies translate to choral writing.
What to expect
Warm, aspirational, and grounded in the kind of earnest optimism that defined the Golden Age of American musical theatre. The harmonic language is richer than the melody alone suggests, with colors that reward careful listening. There's a gentleness here, never saccharine, that invites the audience into something genuine.
Who it's for
Any SATB choir seeking repertoire that combines theatrical heritage with genuine artistic substance. This works beautifully for concert programs, competitions, or as part of a musical theatre unit in educational settings.
How to get the most out of it
Let the melody sing through the soprano line; resist oversinging inner voices that can muddy the clarity of Lane's gift for lyrical phrasing.
Shape the text naturally rather than treating phrases as isolated units. The story matters here, and singers should understand what they're singing about before rehearsing notes.
Balance hope with sincerity in the harmonic progressions. These chords earn their effect through restraint, not through dramatic interpretation.
How to use it
Pair this with other American standards for a concert celebrating Broadway's songwriting legacy, or feature it within a show-tune medley. At ten pages, it anchors a mixed program without demanding extended rehearsal time, leaving room for other selections.
Skills your students will build
Singing sustained melodic lines with phrasing borrowed from vocal music rather than instrumental technique
Balancing SATB texture so that the primary melody remains audible
Understanding the harmonic function of inner voices in supporting a strong top line
Performing music from the American musical theatre repertoire with stylistic awareness
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