The Arrow and the Song: SATB Choral Octavo
Words by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, music and additional words by Pepper Choplin
Item: 00-PO-0007831
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Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Longfellow's eloquent poem explores how our words, actions, and songs endure. This remarkable concert work is filled with unique tonal surprises, vivid word painting, lush lines in each voice, and generous musicality. Appropriate for contest and festival programs, it's a worthwhile endeavor for singers and accompanists alike.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0007831
More about this title
About the Composer: Pepper Choplin
Pepper Choplin studied composition at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth after completing his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has composed more than two hundred anthems and seven choral musicals, drawing on a diverse musical background that spans rock, classical, and bluegrass styles. His work as a church musician, theme park entertainer, and clinician has shaped a compositional voice that balances inspiration with humor.
Choplin serves as Minister of Music at Greystone Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, where many of his pieces originate from the congregation's worship needs. He travels nationally as a conductor and clinician, leading workshops and worship events that showcase his gift for moving audiences through music. His recordings include the self-produced "Pepper Is My Real Name" and the inspirational solo album "Hold On." His stated mission is to create music that draws people into worship with dramatic impact.
Why we love this
Choplin's gift for word painting transforms Longfellow's reflection on legacy into something genuinely theatrical without sacrificing vocal lyricism. Each voice part receives generous, singable material that rewards both ensemble precision and expressive individuality. The tonal surprises keep both singers and audiences engaged, this is a piece that stays with people long after the concert ends.
What to expect
The music unfolds with contemplative grace, moving through moments of brightness and shadow as Longfellow's poem traces the arc of how our words persist beyond us. Choplin's harmonic language feels fresh and modern while remaining deeply expressive, creating an atmosphere of gentle reflection punctuated by moments of unexpected beauty.
Who it's for
SATB choirs with solid musicianship and comfort with chromatic harmony will find this piece both rewarding and approachable. It suits community choirs, school choirs, and church ensembles preparing meaningful repertoire for concert or festival performance.
How to get the most out of it
- Attend to the word painting throughout; Choplin's tonal surprises are intentional and serve the text. Mark any unexpected harmonic turns or voice leading shifts in your score so singers understand the musical architecture supporting Longfellow's imagery.
- Balance the lush lines across all four parts. Each voice carries melodic material, so avoid letting sopranos dominate; blend each voice as a soloist within the ensemble.
- If using the recorded accompaniment, rehearse with it early and often. The piano part is generously written, and singers benefit from hearing how their voices sit within the fuller texture.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece for a concert exploring themes of legacy, influence, or reflection. It pairs well with other secular, literary-based choral works and holds its own as a standalone offering for festival competitions where mature musical and textual interpretation matter.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and interpreting chromatic harmony and non-diatonic chord movement
- Executing sustained vocal lines with consistent breath support and phrasing
- Balancing independent melodic lines within a four-part texture
- Connecting musical expression to poetic text and imagery
- Ensemble blend and intonation in more complex harmonic contexts