Tale of Two Cities: Vocal Selections: Piano/Vocal/Chords Book

This collection gives singers and pianists access to a contemporary score that respects both the literary source material and the demands of musical theater performance. The variety of song styles within these 14 selections means you can program anything from intimate dramatic moments to full-voiced ensemble finales without leaving a single book.

The score channels the emotional turbulence of Dickens's narrative through lush, yearning melodies that capture both the romantic idealism and moral urgency of the French Revolution setting. Each song carries distinct character: some are intimate and vulnerable, others surge with dramatic conviction, and a few cut through with satirical edge. The overall arc moves through longing, sacrifice, and redemption.

This book serves soloists preparing audition or recital material, voice teachers building character-driven repertoire, and small ensembles exploring contemporary musical theater scores. Pianists will find substantive and often orchestrally informed accompaniment parts that demand serious musicianship.

• Pay attention to the harmonic language in the accompaniment; Santoriello often uses rich, unexpected chord progressions that require careful listening between vocalist and pianist to maintain musical cohesion.
• Approach the romantic ballads with restraint rather than overdoing the sentiment. These songs have built-in elegance and will resonate more powerfully through precise diction and controlled tone.
• The arrangement of chords notation allows flexibility for different performance contexts. A solo recital reading benefits from the written piano part, while a smaller ensemble setting might use the chord symbols for accompaniment adaptation.
• Allow time for the pianist to lock in the style and tempo of each selection before adding the vocal line. The rhythmic foundation varies considerably across the score.

Individual selections work well as recital pieces for intermediate-advanced singers seeking repertoire beyond standard standards. If you're building a concert around literary adaptations or historical themes, these songs create a cohesive emotional narrative without requiring full production. The Finale works especially well as a closing number for voice recitals or collaborative student showcases.

• Reading and interpreting romantic and dramatic character-driven material
• Navigating rich harmonic language and unexpected chord progressions
• Sustaining legit vocal production through extended melodic phrases
• Collaboration between vocalist and pianist in contemporary musical theater style
• Text painting and emotional specificity in songs spanning multiple moods