The Icy December: SSAA Choral Octavo
Traditional Catalonian Carol / arr. Mark Hayes
Item: 00-PO-0001102
$1.80
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
The charming "d'una ro ro ro" Catalan carol is given special significance in this Mark Hayes treatment. An unhurried tempo and a full choral harmonization reveal the symbolic nature of the Catalan or English text. A lovely multicultural selection for school, an effective anthem for church. Featured on PianoTrax 3 Accompaniment CD (00-34744).
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0001102
More about this title
About the Arranger: Mark Hayes
Mark Hayes has established himself as a prolific composer and arranger with more than 1,750 published works spanning sacred music, secular compositions, and works across multiple genres. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from Baylor University in 1975 and has since conducted at major venues including Lincoln Center, the National Cathedral, and Carnegie Hall, premiering significant works like his Requiem in Rome as part of a Vatican-sponsored festival.
Beyond his conducting career, Hayes is recognized for his deep commitment to choral music and orchestration. He has received the Award for Exemplary Leadership in Christian Music from Baylor University's Center for Christian Music Studies and has been commissioned for major institutional projects, including works for treble and mixed voices with orchestra. His catalog reflects equal passion for piano composition, with over 100 solo piano books in print across classical, gospel, jazz, and musical theatre styles.
Why we love this
Hayes's treatment transforms a beloved Catalan carol into something genuinely special for SSAA choirs. The unhurried tempo and full harmonization give this traditional text a reverent quality that works equally well in school concerts and church settings, making it a rare piece that bridges both contexts without compromise.
What to expect
There is a quiet dignity in this arrangement. The harmonic language feels modern yet timeless, creating an intimate quality despite the four-part texture. The piece breathes rather than races, inviting listeners into a meditative space that honors the carol's traditional roots while revealing fresh harmonic color.
Who it's for
This octavo suits SSAA choirs in both school and church settings seeking a multicultural holiday selection with substance. Directors working with emerging choirs will find the full harmonization both accessible and rewarding; the four-part writing gives singers meaningful material without excessive technical demands.
How to get the most out of it
- Maintain the unhurried tempo throughout; resist the urge to push the pacing, as the arrangement relies on space and stillness to reveal its harmonic structure.
- Shape the phrase endings gently rather than coming to hard stops; let each phrase dissolve naturally into the next.
- Balance the four voices so that no single part dominates; the full harmonization only lands when all voices are heard with equal presence.
- Choose your text language (Catalan or English) early in rehearsal and commit to the vowel colors that serve that language best.
How to use it
Include this as part of a holiday program that celebrates global traditions, pairing it with other world carols or winter selections from different cultures. Its eight-page length and moderate technical demands make it ideal for a mid-program placement where you want to shift the emotional tone without losing audience engagement.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in full SSAA harmony with independent voice parts
- Sustaining unhurried tempos and controlling phrase shape in slower music
- Interpreting text in multiple languages (Catalan and English)
- Balancing four-part texture so all voices contribute equally to harmonic blend