Love Is a Wonderful Thing: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the warmth and accessibility of Bolton's original while building in real musical substance. This is pop arranging that respects both the song's melodic strength and the choir's capabilities, offering a contemporary showpiece that audiences genuinely want to hear performed by singers.

Warm, sincere, and expansive. The arrangement opens space for genuine lyrical expression without veering into schmaltzy territory. There's an earnestness to the vocal writing that invites listeners into the emotional center of the song.

Choirs with solid blend and intonation who perform contemporary pop material and want a piece that connects with modern audiences. This arrangement works well for groups comfortable with straightforward harmonic language and contemporary diction.

• Balance the lead melody so it reads clearly against the supporting harmonies; the arrangement works best when the primary line always lands on top without forcing dynamics.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock the harmonic foundation during early rehearsals, then gradually reduce reliance on it as sectional confidence builds.
• Shape the phrasing with breath support rather than dramatic tempo shifts; Bolton's original sits in the power ballad tradition where consistent emotional delivery outweighs tempo flexibility.
• Keep vowel shapes unified across the choir during sustained chords to avoid the hollow quality that can plague pop voicings at softer dynamics.

Program this alongside lighter classical or art song selections to demonstrate your choir's range and stylistic versatility. It works particularly well in pops concerts, spring showcases, or mixed programs where you're building a narrative arc from classical through contemporary repertoire.

• Singing contemporary harmonic language with clear intonation
• Sustaining power in ballad-style passages without overblowing
• Balancing ensemble blend when melody and harmony sit close together
• Interpreting emotional content in secular pop material with authenticity