The King Shall Come: SAB Choral Octavo

John Leavitt's arrangement captures the hymn's stately character while making it accessible to developing choirs. The SAB voicing distributes the melody naturally and allows altos a satisfying part that isn't an afterthought, which is rare in three-part sacred music at this level.

Solemn and processional, with a timeless quality that feels both grounded in tradition and fresh when performed with intention. The harmonic language is clear and direct, allowing the theological weight of the text to resonate without distraction.

Small to medium sacred choirs seeking accessible repertoire that maintains musical integrity. This works equally well in worship settings and concert programs, serving singers who are still building reading confidence but deserve substantial musical content.

• Establish a steady, reverent tempo from the opening; resist the urge to rush through quarter note passages, as they carry harmonic weight.
• Balance the melody line across sopranos and altos where Leavitt divides it; this requires intentional blending work rather than assuming altos will simply follow sopranos.
• Shape phrases by identifying the emotional peak in each section and building toward it, rather than treating the hymn as a series of equal measures.

Program this as an anchor piece in an Advent or Christmas concert, where its contemplative character provides balance to livelier seasonal selections. It also works beautifully in a sacred music program focused on hymnody and spiritual texts.

• Singing tied notes and sustained phrases with consistent breath support
• Reading SAB voicing with independent melodic lines
• Interpreting sacred text with appropriate reverence and diction
• Blending voices across parts in close harmony