The Hanging Tree (arr. Mark Brymer): SSA Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement respects the song's haunting folk character while tailoring it for SSA voicing, creating genuine three-part writing rather than forcing the piece into a traditional soprano-alto-alto split. The piece captures why this song resonated so broadly without requiring students to sacrifice musical credibility for contemporary repertoire.

Stark and unsettling in the best way possible. The SSA voicing emphasizes clarity and purity while the text creates an underlying tension that keeps listeners engaged. You're inhabiting something intentionally uncomfortable and theatrical.

Choirs seeking contemporary material that bridges pop and folk traditions without oversimplifying the music. This works well for groups with solid sight-reading skills and enough maturity to dig into the song's darker emotional content.

• Balance the lower voices carefully; the alto line carries harmonic weight that's easy to bury under sopranos. Ask altos to project with clarity rather than volume.
• Shape phrases by thinking about text rather than barlines. Where does each thought conclude? Let the natural speech patterns guide phrasing choices.
• Layer in dynamics gradually during rehearsals. Start with a clean, even baseline, then add color once ensemble security is solid.
• Experiment with optional percussion or acoustic guitar accompaniment if available. This arrangement sits naturally with minimal instrumental support.

Consider pairing this with other folk-influenced or contemporary pieces to create a thematic set. The dark subject matter and sparse musical texture make it effective as a closing number or as part of a concert exploring contemporary songwriting. The nine pages demand a comfortable rehearsal timeline but reward the investment.

• Singing independent melodic lines in close harmony without doubling
• Interpreting contemporary text with emotional authenticity
• Balancing blend across three voice parts with distinct ranges
• Reading and executing dynamics that shape storytelling