Robert Sieving has built a prolific career as both a composer and arranger, with particular strength in writing for strings and choral ensembles. His output spans over 100 published works across a wide range of voicings and difficulty levels, making him a familiar name in publisher catalogs from coast to coast. Active in the American Composers Forum and the American Choral Directors Association, Sieving is based in the Minneapolis area and continues to produce original sacred and secular music alongside carefully crafted arrangements.
While known for his string writing, Sieving's choral contributions reveal the same craftsmanship and accessibility that define his broader catalog. His arrangements honor the text and musical tradition while remaining performable by high school and community choirs, a balance that has earned him steady adoption in school and church settings.
Why we love this
Sieving delivers a carol arrangement that respects singers without condescending to them. The four-part writing sits comfortably in the voice parts while allowing for genuine harmonic interest, creating a setting that feels both accessible and musically rewarding on the second or third reading through.
What to expect
The arrangement brings warmth and clarity to a beloved text, letting the carol's contemplative character unfold through fresh harmonic color. A cappella textures invite listeners to sit with the words while the voice parts support rather than overwhelm the melody.
Who it's for
This works for mixed choirs from the high school level through adult church and community ensembles. Directors seeking an a cappella carol with real harmonic substance but without excessive technical demands will find this straightforward to prepare.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the text clarity with the harmonic language. Sieving's arrangements often contain moments where the words need to emerge naturally rather than being pushed; trust the phrase shapes to convey meaning.
Shape each section through dynamic grading rather than sudden shifts. This arrangement benefits from subtle wave-like phrasing that lets the harmonic progressions sing themselves.
Mark your vowel unification carefully, especially across sections where text might differ. A cappella singing demands precision without rigidity; aim for blend that sounds intentional rather than unison.
How to use it
Program this as an opening or interlude in a holiday concert, where its moderate length and a cappella format provide structural contrast to larger works. It also serves well in worship settings during Advent or Christmas services where congregational familiarity with the tune allows singers to focus on Sieving's harmonic choices.
Skills your students will build
Part independence in four-part a cappella singing
Intonation control without instrumental reference
Phrasing through harmonic movement and text
Blend and vowel uniformity across voice sections
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
