No Ruby: SATB Choral Octavo
Music and lyrics by Andy Beck
Item: 00-PO-0000300
$1.75
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Momentary dissonances sparkle like fine jewels, and a shimmering piano theme weaves its way through this choral art song designed for 4-part mixed or women's choirs. Poetic lyrics, soaring melodies, and inspired text-painting will add a touch of class to your concert and festival program. Exquisite repertoire this year and for years to come.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0000300
More about this title
About the Composer: Andy Beck
Andy Beck directs choral publications at Alfred Music and brings decades of experience as both a composer and arranger. His catalog includes over 450 choral works and vocal resources now performed by singers across the globe, complemented by his widely-used sight-singing and vocal pedagogy resources. He holds degrees in music education from Ithaca College and Northwest Missouri State University.
Beyond the page, Beck is an active guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for honor choirs and all-state ensembles throughout the United States and beyond. A tenor himself, he sings with the North Carolina Master Chorale Chamber Choir and has served as a studio singer for Alfred Music since 1992. His work as both a commissioned composer and conductor reflects his deep commitment to choral literacy and artistry.
Why we love this
Beck writes with sophistication that doesn't demand virtuosic ranges or excessive rehearsal time. The interplay between dissonant sparkle and flowing melody creates a piece that feels both contemporary and timeless, making it a strong festival selection that judges and audiences appreciate. The shimmering piano accompaniment deserves its own standing; it's beautiful enough to warrant a strong collaborative relationship with your accompanist.
What to expect
Graceful and luminous, this piece floats on shimmering harmonies that catch light like facets in a gem. The poetic text-painting feels organic rather than obvious; dissonances resolve gently, and the overall effect is one of quiet elegance that lingers after the final chord.
Who it's for
Mixed choirs seeking repertoire that balances accessibility with genuine artistic depth will find a strong fit here. Women's choirs can also perform this work effectively, and it suits high school through adult ensembles comfortable with some harmonic sophistication without extreme technical demands.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the soprano and alto lines carefully during moments of harmonic tension; these upper voices carry much of the text-painting and need clarity without overpowering the overall blend.
- Let the piano establish the shimmering quality early in rehearsals so singers hear exactly what landscape their voices inhabit; this makes their own intonation choices more intentional.
- Shape the longer phrases by conducting gentle dynamic arcs rather than maintaining a consistent level; the poetry deserves breath and space.
How to use it
Program this as a mid-concert piece where it can shine without competing for attention against heavier repertoire. Its festival pedigree makes it ideal for year-end concerts and competitions, and the sophisticated sound gives your program a polished, artistic finish that impresses both audiences and adjudicators.
Skills your students will build
- Singing extended harmonic structures with chromatic voice leading
- Balancing blend and clarity within layered four-part writing
- Responding to text-painting through dynamic shaping and vocal color
- Sustaining longer, more complex melodic phrases with musical purpose
- Intonation precision in moments of temporary dissonance