Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength) (arr. Mark Brymer): SAB Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the emotional depth of the original while making it genuinely singable for three-part mixed voices. The SAB voicing sits naturally across a typical high school or college choir, and the piece carries real dramatic weight without requiring exceptional soloists. Directors looking to program contemporary music that feels both current and substantial will find this delivers on both fronts.

Introspective and hopeful, with a measured intensity that builds gradually. The piece has a cinematic quality that draws listeners in through intimate vocal writing before opening into fuller, more affirming moments.

Choirs seeking contemporary repertoire that bridges pop accessibility and legitimate musical substance. This works for high school choirs with developing sight-readers and college ensembles looking to diversify their semester programming.

• Balance the upper and lower lines carefully during harmonic passages; the SA voices tend toward brightness naturally, so encourage the B section to sing with presence and clarity rather than sitting back.
• Work the text expression throughout. This song's power lies in its emotional arc, so rehearse phrasing and dynamic shape before perfecting blend.
• If using the recorded accompaniment, start by learning the piece with piano alone to lock in the harmonic foundation, then gradually introduce the full production.
• Pay attention to the moments where the arrangement strips down to fewer voices; these create dynamic contrast and deserve intentional rehearsal focus.

Position this as a standalone feature on a concert that mixes traditional and contemporary work, or pair it with other film and television selections to create a thematic program block. The piece also works beautifully as a final selection before intermission, where its emotional resonance can settle with an audience.

• Singing contemporary harmonic language with confidence and clarity
• Shaping emotional phrasing within a pop music context
• Balancing three independent lines without sacrificing blend
• Connecting text delivery to musical shape and dynamics