Memory (from Cats) (arr. John Leavitt): Choral Instrumental Pak
Arranged by John Leavitt
Item: 35-PK00311116
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Description
One of the most popular Broadway selections of all time, this setting incorporates a full, traditional vocal sound and an expanded accompaniment that will be a wonderful program addition for concert and community choirs.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00311116
More about this title
About the Arranger: John Leavitt
John Leavitt has built a reputation as one of the most prolific and performed choral arrangers in America. His work spans sacred and secular music, Broadway arrangements, and original compositions, all marked by his gift for creating singable lines and idiomatic instrumental writing that enhances rather than overshadows the voice.
Why we love this
Leavitt's arrangement captures what makes Memory endure: the emotional directness of the melody paired with sophisticated harmonic support. The expanded accompaniment gives concert and community choirs the orchestral richness of the original without requiring a pit band, making this a genuine showstopper that sounds polished from the first rehearsal.
What to expect
Nostalgic and introspective, with moments of swelling hope. The opening unfolds like a solitary memory becoming clearer, then gradually gathers warmth and companionship as more voices enter.
Who it's for
Concert choirs, community choirs, and festival choirs seeking a Broadway selection with genuine emotional weight. This works equally well for ensembles with strong voices and those still building blend and intonation; the familiar melody supports singers at various levels.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening phrase with a sustained, legit tone; this is a song about longing, not belting. Let the accompaniment sit back and support that vulnerability.
- Balance ensemble unison passages against the fuller harmonic writing in later sections. The contrast between simplicity and richness is what gives the arrangement its emotional arc.
- Address any spots where instrumental figuration intersects with vocal entrances; mark these clearly in rehearsal so singers know exactly when to come in over active accompaniment.
- Reserve your dynamic peak for the final statement of the title phrase rather than the climactic high note. This keeps the song's reflective quality intact.
How to use it
Position this as your concert centerpiece or closing number when you want to move an audience. It pairs naturally with lighter Broadway selections or works well as the only musical theatre piece on a program built around art songs and classical choral standards.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining legit vocal tone across a wide phrase range
- Singing over active accompaniment without oversinging
- Blend in unison and four-part harmony within the same selection
- Ensemble attention to entrance cues against instrumental figuration