Take It All (arr. Roel Griffioen): TTBB Choral Octavo

Griffioen's arrangement respects the raw vulnerability of Adele's original while building genuine four-part texture that lets male voices carry real melodic and harmonic interest. The pop idiom combined with tight harmonic writing creates an accessible entry point for singers learning to balance contemporary style with choral technique.

Intimate and stripped back, with moments of swelling intensity that emerge from harmonic depth rather than orchestral thickness. The a cappella setting puts every voice choice on display, creating a performance that feels both exposed and deeply connected.

Male and mixed choirs ready to tackle contemporary material with harmonic sophistication. This arrangement works for groups comfortable with pop idiom but seeking more substance than typical choral pops, and for directors who want to program modern repertoire without sacrificing musicality.

• Avoid over-dramatizing the verses; the arrangement gains power through restraint and precise rhythmic placement rather than pushing volume early.
• Pay attention to Griffioen's harmonic voice leading in the inner parts; TTB voicing can easily bury inner melodies if baritones aren't singing with intention.
• Record a scratch track with the exact tempo and phrasing you want; a cappella pop requires the same precision as classical music, just with different aesthetic values.
• Shape the dynamics across the full arc rather than treating climactic moments in isolation; this song's emotional trajectory depends on contrast across all nine pages.

Pair this with other contemporary arrangements to demonstrate how modern songwriting translates to ensemble voices, or use it as a closer that leaves audiences with something recognizable yet recontextualized. The nine-page length makes it substantial enough to anchor a concert segment without overshadowing lighter programming around it.

• Balancing contemporary phrasing with ensemble cohesion
• Managing harmonic complexity in TTB voicing without conductorial support
• Sustaining vocal line in a cappella settings where breath placement matters
• Reading and executing Griffioen's rhythmic notation in pop context