The Risk: SSA Choral Octavo
Words and music by Laufey and Spencer Stewart / arr. Andy Beck
Item: 00-PO-0007875
$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-0007875
More about this title
About the Composer: Laufey
Laufey is an Icelandic singer-songwriter whose intimate, introspective approach to pop music has resonated with listeners worldwide. Her compositions often explore themes of vulnerability and emotional complexity, drawing on classical music influences alongside contemporary production sensibilities.
Why we love this
Andy Beck's arrangement captures the reflective intimacy of Laufey's original while creating a showcase moment that works beautifully for teen and adult choirs. The piano writing is sophisticated without overshadowing the voices, and the featured alto solo gives a single singer the spotlight before the full choir swells with modern harmonic color.
What to expect
The opening draws listeners into quiet introspection, with the alto voice floating over liquid piano lines that feel almost impressionistic. When the choir enters, the texture becomes lush and shimmering, with modern harmonies that bloom beneath the melody while maintaining the original's tender atmosphere.
Who it's for
This octavo suits any choir looking for a contemporary piece with emotional depth and genuine artistic merit. It works equally well for high school choirs that want to stretch into more sophisticated pop arranging and for college or community ensembles seeking a program moment that feels both accessible and artistically rewarding.
How to get the most out of it
- Let the alto soloist own the opening section without rushing; Laufey's original thrives on space and breath between phrases, so resist the urge to fill silence.
- Balance the shimmering upper voices in the choir sections so they float rather than dominate. Think of them as atmospheric rather than melodic.
- Work the choir's entrance carefully. The transition from solo to full ensemble should feel like a natural emotional expansion, not an abrupt shift.
- Shape the phrases around the lyrical content. This piece asks singers to sit with vulnerability, so encourage performers to find genuine connection to the theme of emotional risk.
How to use it
Program this as a concert centerpiece for a set focused on emotional narratives or contemporary songwriting. It pairs well with other modern pop arrangements, creating a cohesive second half that appeals to younger audiences while demonstrating your choir's range beyond classical repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing solo voice with choral texture
- Singing contemporary pop harmonies with precision
- Sustaining emotional legit through long, lyrical lines
- Blending upper voices to create shimmer without shrillness
- Understanding how a featured soloist transitions responsibility to the ensemble