The Risk: SATB Choral Octavo
Words and music by Laufey and Spencer Stewart / arr. Andy Beck
Item: 00-PO-0007873
$2.75
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Embrace the vulnerability of the heart with this sensitive ballad by beloved Icelandic singer Laufey. A tender alto solo invites an emotional atmosphere before the choir joins with lush textures and shimmering modern harmonies. The captivating piano accompaniment stays true to the original, flowing with liquid grace and mirroring poignant lyrics about diving into the unknown. This is a breathtaking feature for teens and adults alike, offering a moment of profound emotional depth on any program.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0007873
More about this title
About the Composer: Laufey
Laufey is an Icelandic singer-songwriter whose introspective approach to pop songwriting has resonated with listeners worldwide. Her compositions balance intimate vulnerability with sophisticated production, creating songs that reward both casual listening and close musical study.
Why we love this
Andy Beck's arrangement honors the song's emotional core while opening it up for choral voices, and the alto solo entrance creates a natural moment of connection before the full choir amplifies the emotional stakes. The modern harmonic language feels current without sacrificing singability, making this an excellent choice for programs seeking repertoire that speaks authentically to teen and adult singers.
What to expect
The piece opens with tender introspection before gradually building into shimmering, lush textures that feel both modern and timeless. There's a quality of courage running through it—the kind that comes from acknowledging fear and choosing vulnerability anyway.
Who it's for
This octavo works beautifully for high school and college choirs seeking contemporary material with genuine emotional weight. It suits mixed ensembles of any size, though smaller groups will find the intimate solo sections particularly effective.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the alto solo section with careful dynamic control; this vulnerable opening sets the emotional tone for everything that follows, so resist the urge to push volume even as the harmony thickens.
- Balance the inner voices closely during the ensemble passages; the shimmering quality comes from precise voicing balance rather than overall loudness.
- Coordinate with the piano accompaniment throughout, especially in places where the liquid figurations support but don't double the vocal lines.
- Explore the poetic intent of the lyrics when working through dynamics and phrasing; emotional authenticity matters more than technical perfection in this style.
How to use it
Position this as a contrasting moment in a concert program, perhaps between more energetic selections or as a closing piece where its emotional depth can linger. The 16-page length and solo feature make it substantial enough to anchor a set without overwhelming the overall arc of a performance.
Skills your students will build
- Singing with transparency and emotional authenticity in contemporary pop idiom
- Balancing solo and ensemble textures within a single piece
- Executing modern harmonies that sit outside traditional functional harmony
- Coordinate vocal lines with a flowing, non-traditional piano accompaniment
- Managing dynamic contrast within intimate, lyric-driven material