That Lives In Us: SSA Choral Octavo

Brewbaker crafts the kind of piece that sounds substantial without demanding impossible technique, giving singers genuine musical work while keeping them engaged from first reading. The text pairing with Rumi suggests introspective, meaningful content that elevates the performance beyond routine programming.

The music carries a contemplative, introspective quality befitting Rumi's poetry, with harmonic language that suggests emotional depth without resorting to obvious drama. Singers will find themselves inside a piece that rewards careful listening and allows the text to shine.

This octavo works well for upper-level treble choirs, advanced middle school programs with strong singers, and adult community choirs seeking concert repertoire with substance. It sits comfortably for intermediate to advanced ensembles looking for something beyond pop arrangements.

• Balance the harmonic density carefully in rehearsal by having singers isolate their own line first, then layer parts systematically rather than stacking all three voices at once.
• Pay close attention to vowel consistency across the SSA voicing, especially where upper parts diverge; uniformity in tone color makes the harmonic relationships clearer.
• Shape phrases according to the textual arc rather than resting at every barline; let the poetry guide your pacing and breathing choices.

Feature this as a thoughtful centerpiece in a concert built around poetry or spirituality themes, or pair it with other secular texts to create a program exploring philosophical ideas. Its 18 pages suggest a substantial rehearsal investment, making it suitable for a mid or closing slot in a festival performance.

• Reading and sustaining complex three-part harmony
• Shaping phrases according to textual meaning rather than musical structure
• Balancing independent melodic lines while maintaining ensemble blend
• Managing dynamic control across divergent vocal ranges