Memory (from Cats) (arr. Ed Lojeski): SSA Choral Octavo

Lojeski captures the intimate vulnerability of this iconic song while crafting voicing that sits naturally for SSA ensembles. The arrangement honors the song's emotional journey without overwhelming developing singers, making it an ideal vehicle for programming something theatrically sophisticated alongside concert repertoire.

The music unfolds with quiet introspection, then swells into something wistful and searching. There's a theatrical yearning beneath the surface, drawing listeners into an intimate moment that's both personal and universally recognizable.

Choirs seeking to expand their repertoire beyond traditional concert fare will find this arrangement highly rewarding. Intermediate to advanced SSA or SSAA ensembles can deliver a stirring, stage-worthy performance that connects with diverse audiences.

• Balance the melody line so it floats above the inner voices; this isn't a piece that benefits from heavy belt, even in the climactic moments.
• Shape the phrasing in long lines rather than stopping at phrase marks; let the text breathe naturally and carry listeners through the arch.
• Record a piano or accompaniment track separately and rehearse with it once your singers are secure, then remove it to find the choir's own resonance for performance.
• Pay attention to how quickly the piece builds; restrain the early verses so you have genuine dynamic room to grow toward the final section.

Consider pairing this with other Broadway standards or theater classics to build a cohesive concert set that appeals beyond the typical classical music audience. It also works beautifully as a standalone selection on a program dominated by classical repertoire, offering stylistic contrast and immediate emotional connection.

• Sustaining long phrases with consistent legit tone production
• Blending vowels across SSA voicing to create unified vertical sonority
• Dynamic shaping and text interpretation in a song-like context
• Responding to emotional subtext while maintaining vocal technique