Nightingale: SATB Choral Octavo
Words and music by Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0005908
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
A hushed a cappella opening in rich harmony immediately captures the ear. The flowing piano joins just before two brief optional solos introduce the beloved nightingale and her tuneful melody. Expressive singing and vocal artistry are encouraged by the gentle ebb and flow of tempo.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0005908
More about this title
About the Composer: Jay Althouse
Jay Althouse studied music education and music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he later received the Distinguished Alumni award. His work in music publishing as a rights and licenses administrator gave him deep insight into the choral field; during that tenure, he served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America.
Why we love this
Althouse crafts the opening moments with real sophistication, building hushed SATB harmony before the piano enters to support optional solos. The piece rewards singers who listen carefully to ensemble blend and tempo flexibility, making it an excellent vehicle for teaching expressive musicianship without technical overload.
What to expect
The opening unfolds like a hushed conversation among friends, rich and warm. When the piano arrives and the soloist enters, the texture blooms into something more luminous and lyrical, evoking the image of the nightingale singing in stillness.
Who it's for
This piece suits intermediate to advanced choirs who have developed blend and dynamic control. It works equally well for concert and festival settings, and the optional solos make it flexible for ensembles of varying solo capabilities.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the a cappella opening with particular attention to vowel consistency across voices; this passage sets the intimacy of the whole piece.
- Let the optional solos breathe. If you use them, select singers who can color the nightingale's melody with individual artistry rather than perfect technical display.
- Follow the score's tempo changes closely. The gentle ebb and flow is essential to the character; exaggerate the shifts slightly in rehearsal so singers feel the phrase architecture.
How to use it
This piece pairs beautifully on programs with other nature-inspired or contemplative works. Its eight pages and moderate length make it ideal as a contrasting selection within a mixed repertoire concert, particularly effective when placed after a more energetic or dramatic piece.
Skills your students will build
- Sustained a cappella blend and tuning
- Responsive tempo flexibility and phrase shaping
- Balancing ensemble texture with optional solos
- Expressive dynamics and vocal color in quiet passages