O My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose (arr. Simon Carrington): SATB Choral Octavo
As performed by The King's Singers / Arranged by Simon Carrington
Item: 35-DS00137505
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$2.99
Minimum order quantity: 10 copies
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Description
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The King's Singers have spent over five decades defining what contemporary a cappella can be. Formed in 1968, they've earned international recognition for their impeccable vocal blend, interpretive depth, and ability to move seamlessly across repertoire from Renaissance motets to modern arrangements. For music educators, their work demonstrates the possibilities of six voices singing with precision, independence, and expressive unity.
As recording artists and educators, The King's Singers have influenced how choirs approach ensemble sound and musical communication. Their arrangements reflect a deep understanding of how voices interact in close harmony, making their versions valuable models for choirs seeking to refine their craft.
Why we love this
Simon Carrington's arrangement respects the intimacy of Burns' poem while giving it vocal dimension that standard solo arrangements cannot achieve. The King's Singers' artistry on this piece shows how a cappella harmony can enhance rather than overshadow poetry, making it ideal for directors programming concerts around literature or Scottish repertoire.
What to expect
There's an understated elegance here that allows Robert Burns' tender, passionate words to breathe. The harmony wraps around the text like an embrace rather than commanding the attention, creating moments of warmth interspersed with vulnerability.
Who it's for
Choirs with secure SATB blend and confidence in a cappella singing will find this arrangement accessible yet artistically satisfying. This works for high school chamber choirs, college ensembles, and adult community groups who want to tackle meaningful repertoire without instrumental support.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the text clarity with harmonic resonance; the poem must remain the focal point even as voices weave together in the middle sections.
Shape the phrases according to the poem's punctuation and imagery rather than falling into regular four-bar breathing patterns.
Listen to The King's Singers' recording to understand their approach to blend and dynamics, then find how your choir's unique sound can serve the same emotional arc.
Pay particular attention to vertical tuning in the closer harmonic moments; even slight intonation shifts pull the listener away from the poetry.
How to use it
Pair this with other art song arrangements or poetry-centered choral works to build a concert theme exploring how verse becomes music. It also serves as a compelling opening or closing moment in a program, particularly when you want to slow the pace and draw the audience into reflection.
Skills your students will build
A cappella tuning and vertical blend in mid-range harmonic writing
Text interpretation and phrase shaping driven by poetic structure
Independent voice leading within close harmonic spacing
Dynamic control in accompaniment-less contexts
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