That Man (arr. Roel Griffioen): SMATBarB Choral Octavo

Roel Griffioen's arrangement captures the sophisticated charm of Caro Emerald's original while making it genuinely singable for a mixed choir. The SMATBarB voicing keeps the texture clear and engaging without sacrificing the song's elegant character, and the 22 pages give you room to develop real musicality rather than rushing through a quick chart.

Sophisticated and playful. The arrangement channels vintage lounge elegance with contemporary pop sensibility, creating moments that feel both intimate and celebratory. There's a lightness in the writing that lets the text shine while maintaining the swagger of Emerald's original.

Choirs with solid fundamental blend and a director ready to commit rehearsal time to a cappella technique. The SMATBarB voicing works well for groups with strong alto and baritone singers who can anchor the sound without dominating.

• Balance the top line articulation with the supportive harmonies underneath; the sopranos and altos should never overwhelm the grounded alto and baritone foundation that anchors the arrangement.
• Shape the phrasing in longer arcs rather than stopping at every rest. This style depends on legit swing and sophistication, which means connecting through seemingly obvious phrase breaks.
• Pay attention to dynamic control across all voices. A cappella singing exposes everything, so consistent support from the men's section makes the difference between polished and thin.
• Lock in the rhythmic precision early in rehearsal. A Cappella pop arrangements live or die by their groove, and Griffioen's writing requires clean attacks and releases.

Pair this with other contemporary pop charts or electro swing standards for a concert that bridges classical and modern audiences. It also works beautifully as a concert closer or finale when you want something with polish and personality that sends audiences home smiling.

• A cappella blend and intonation across six voices
• Rhythmic precision in swing and pop contexts
• Dynamic control in small ensemble settings
• Stylistic interpretation of contemporary vocal writing