The Closest Thing To Crazy (arr. Martin Cornelissen): SATB Choral Octavo

Arranger Martin Cornelissen captures the intimate vulnerability of this song while building in rich harmonic layers that give SATB singers meaningful material to explore. The piece sits comfortably in the contemporary pop repertoire sphere without sacrificing musical substance, making it an excellent choice for choirs seeking repertoire that resonates with modern audiences.

Introspective and honest, this song trades bombast for emotional specificity. There's a conversational quality to the melody that invites singers to inhabit the lyrics, while the harmonies beneath create a cocoon of warmth and complexity that listeners won't expect from a pop arrangement.

Choirs at intermediate to advanced levels who want contemporary repertoire that doesn't compromise musical quality. This works well for groups already comfortable with pop arrangements and seeking material that bridges classical choral technique with modern songwriting.

• Balance the homophonic passages by letting the sopranos carry the melody while supporting parts maintain steady presence rather than pushing for prominence.
• Attend carefully to Melua's original phrasing in the melody line; the slight rhythmic hesitations and breath points she uses are essential to the song's emotional arc.
• Shape the dynamic arc across entire sections rather than treating phrase breaks as reset points; the song builds gradually toward its emotional climax.
• If accompanied, ensure the instrumental arrangement complements rather than overpowers the vocal writing; the arrangement likely leaves space for the voices to breathe and connect.

Feature this in a concert exploring contemporary songwriting or as a stylistic complement to jazz standards and art song repertoire. The length and character make it suitable as a standalone selection or as part of a mixed program that includes classical and musical theater works.

• Singing with vulnerability and emotional honesty rather than technical display
• Balancing pop and jazz harmonies with classical choral blend
• Following a subtle melodic contour that prioritizes text expression over regularity
• Maintaining harmonic integrity in contemporary arrangements
• Collaborating with non-classical accompaniment