The Best of Neil Diamond (arr. Ed Lojeski): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Ed Lojeski's arrangements unlock the singability in Diamond's catalog without sacrificing the songs' emotional core. This collection gives your choir access to repertoire that audiences actually know and love, making it ideal for concert programming that builds genuine connection with listeners beyond the typical choral audience.

These songs carry the warmth and earnestness of Diamond's originals. Lojeski's arrangements preserve the melodic strength and harmonic directness that made these tunes commercial successes, translating them into choral textures that feel natural rather than forced.

This collection works well for high school and community choirs seeking contemporary repertoire that connects with audiences while remaining technically accessible. Directors building programs that bridge classical choral traditions and popular music will find genuine material here.

• Lean into the conversational phrasing of Diamond's lyrics; these songs live in the space between pop sensibility and choral expression, so avoid over-legit singing that flattens their personality.
• Balance vocal blend with clarity of the text. Lojeski's 2-part writing likely features moments where the melody sits in Part 1 with harmonic support underneath, so ensure Part 2 singers don't disappear into pure accompaniment texture.
• Use the recorded accompaniments as a rehearsal tool early on to internalize the harmonic language, then gradually ask singers to carry phrase momentum independently without relying on the track.

Consider this collection for pops concerts, community engagement events, or senior recognition programs where familiar material strengthens audience investment. The 2-part voicing also makes it suitable for middle school to early high school choirs, giving younger ensembles confidence-building wins.

• Singing contemporary pop repertoire with vocal maturity and stylistic awareness
• Balancing melody and harmonic support in 2-part textures
• Connecting emotional intent of text to musical phrasing
• Building sight-reading skills through accessible but substantive arrangements