Merry Christmas Madrigal: 3-Part Mixed, a cappella Choral Octavo

Name: Merry Christmas Madrigal: 3-Part Mixed, a cappella Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-41684
Price: 1.85 USD
Availability: InStock

Words by Mary Ryan, music by Donald Moore

Item: 00-41684

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Welcomed repetition and smart voice leading pave the way to success for developing 3-part choirs. The guys sing in their easiest range; the sopranos, a mostly step-wise melody; and the altos, intuitive harmonies. Add the optional sleighbells and it's ready to go for Christmas.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Merry Christmas Madrigal: 3-Part Mixed, a cappella Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081467641

SKU: 00-41684

More about this title

About the Composer: Donald Moore

Donald Moore earned his Bachelor of Music in organ performance and Master of Arts in Teaching from Kent State University. He serves as Organist-Choirmaster at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and has established himself as a prolific composer and arranger with more than 500 published works across sacred, secular, educational, and pop genres.

Moore's compositions appear regularly in state and national music festivals and competitions. His work has been recognized with seventeen ASCAP Composers Standard Awards, and he was recently cited by the American Choral Directors Association as one of 400 significant composers in American choral music history. His catalog spans choral octavos, organ and piano works, educational collections, and instructional books.

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Why we love this

Moore builds this arrangement with genuine understanding of what developing choirs need to succeed. The voice parts are written to sit comfortably for each section, the text repetition reinforces musical material without feeling lazy, and the step-wise soprano line gives singers a clear melodic anchor. Optional sleighbells transform a solid arrangement into something festive without adding complexity to the singers themselves.

What to expect

Brightly festive without veering into novelty territory. The repeating text and familiar harmonic progressions create an accessible, warm quality that feels both traditional and fresh. There's a playful energy here, especially when the optional sleighbells come in, but the madrigal form keeps everything grounded in musicianship.

Who it's for

This octavo works well for developing mixed choirs in grades 6-8 or high school groups building three-part literacy. The writing respects the vocal ranges of changing voices while offering altos and tenors a secure harmonic role that builds confidence.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the parts by allowing sopranos to lead the melodic contour while keeping altos and tenors/basses tuned and grounded. The step-wise soprano melody should sing through clearly.
If using sleighbells, assign them to a non-singing student or rehearse the rhythm separately so singers can concentrate on blend and intonation.
Lock in the repeated sections early in rehearsal. Once singers trust the familiar material, they can relax into the harmonic framework and focus on tone quality.
Shape phrases with gentle dynamic support rather than dramatic contrasts. The madrigal style rewards clarity and articulation over heavy expression.

How to use it

Program this as an opener for a holiday concert to set a joyful tone, or pair it with a more substantial sacred work to create textural variety. It reads quickly in rehearsal, making it ideal for schools balancing multiple December performances without sacrificing preparation time.