Prayer from Hansel and Gretel: SATB Choral Octavo
From Hansel and Gretel
Music by Engelbert Humperdinck / arr. Julie Knowles
Item: 00-PO-0003985
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
It's the well-known Humperdinck prayer from "Hansel and Gretel" with a new and touching second verse. This outstanding Julie Knowles arrangement now makes this beloved classic accessible for treble choirs. The piano accompaniment is gorgeous. Prayer is destined to become a choral standard.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0003985
More about this title
About the Composer: Engelbert Humperdinck
Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921) was a German composer who transformed fairy tale opera into a form accessible to family audiences. His masterpiece "Hansel and Gretel" premiered in 1893 and remains one of the most performed operas worldwide, beloved for its tuneful melodies, orchestral richness, and ability to speak to both children and adults.
Humperdinck's gift was his capacity to write memorable, singable music that serves the narrative without sacrificing artistic integrity. The Prayer from "Hansel and Gretel" exemplifies this approach: a moment of genuine spiritual vulnerability set to music of remarkable warmth and accessibility.
Why we love this
Julie Knowles's arrangement honors the original's emotional core while opening it to ensembles that couldn't previously access this repertoire. The addition of a second verse deepens the piece beyond a single moment of prayer, creating architecture that feels complete and substantial. For a choral program, this offers the weight of a masterwork with the practicality of a modern arrangement.
What to expect
A moment of stillness and protection. The Prayer carries the tenderness of children at rest, surrounded by warmth and care. Humperdinck's melody has an almost lullaby-like quality, but the harmonic language adds sophistication and depth.
Who it's for
SATB choirs seeking a spiritual centerpiece that works for worship services, concert programs, and special occasions. This arrangement is designed for choirs ready for serious repertoire but not restricted to advanced treble sections.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening phrases with legit sostenuto; resist rushing the prayer's contemplative quality even as voices enter.
- Balance the piano accompaniment carefully so it supports rather than overwhelms the text. The gorgeousness comes from transparency.
- Attend to the harmonic language in the second verse. Knowles likely introduces fresh colors; let those shifts breathe and register with your ensemble.
How to use it
Program this as a bridge between more rhythmic or dramatic pieces, or pair it with other operatic excerpts to highlight the choral tradition in opera. Its eight pages and moderate length make it suitable for concert programs seeking a moment of repose and beauty.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining legit tone through longer phrases without crescendo
- Blending four-part SATB voicing while maintaining independence of line
- Balancing accompaniment with ensemble sound
- Interpreting a familiar melody through fresh harmonic context
- Conveying textual meaning and spiritual atmosphere through ensemble sound