Russian Dance (from The Nutcracker Suite): SSAA, a cappella Choral Octavo
By Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky / arr. Jeff Funk
Item: 00-PO-0000295
$1.75
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Sung entirely on "fa-la-la" and "plum," this novelty piece successfully transforms Tchaikovsky's orchestration into a light and lively a cappella choral. A jovial choice for holiday performances, Jeff Funk's arrangement dances along from its recognizable opening flourish to the accelerating, jolly end. Guaranteed to make you smile!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0000295
More about this title
About the Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) stands as one of the most performed composers in concert halls worldwide, known for his gift for melody and his ability to blend Russian folk idioms with European symphonic form. His ballet scores, particularly The Nutcracker Suite and Swan Lake, remain staples of holiday programming and have inspired countless arrangements across every musical ensemble type and skill level.
Why we love this
Funk's arrangement captures the pure joy of Tchaikovsky's original without requiring instrumental forces. The text declamation (fa-la-la and plum) transforms what could feel stiff into something genuinely playful, and the accelerating ending gives your singers a built-in showstopper that audiences recognize immediately. It's the rare novelty arrangement that feels both fun to sing and musically substantial.
What to expect
Effervescent and playful, with Tchaikovsky's signature melodic warmth shining through the syllabic text. The piece bounces along with infectious good humor, building momentum as it progresses, until the accelerating finale sends the audience into the season with genuine merriment.
Who it's for
Choirs seeking a short, engaging novelty number for holiday concerts will find immediate success with this arrangement. It works well for groups with solid upper-voice strength and comfortable navigating light rhythmic syncopation; the text-driven nature makes it accessible to singers who might find wordless music more challenging.
How to get the most out of it
- Lean into the rhythmic precision of the syllabic text. Crisp articulation on 'fa' and 'plum' will give the piece its characteristic bounce and keep the energy propulsive through both verses and the accelerating section.
- Balance blend between the four parts carefully during the opening flourish. SSAA voicing can muddy quickly if sopranos aren't singing with clear, focused tone while altos provide warm support underneath.
- Shape the acceleration toward the end deliberately. Rather than rushing, gradually tighten the tempo in small increments so the final section feels inevitable rather than hectic.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a palate cleanser between longer, more serious repertoire on a winter concert. Its 12-page length and novelty character make it ideal for a mid-concert lift, or it can anchor a lighter holiday set that includes both traditional and contemporary choral music.
Skills your students will build
- Maintaining rhythmic precision while singing syllabic text
- Blend and balance across four SSAA parts
- Accelerating tempo with control and intentionality
- Singing a cappella with confident intonation across the ensemble range