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The Sound of Silence: Choral Works (Secular) - Mixed Voices

$4.50 USD
$4.50 USD
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The Sound of Silence Cover Image
The Sound of Silence: Choral Works (Secular) - Mixed Voices

The Sound of Silence: Choral Works (Secular) - Mixed Voices

Arranged by Alexander L'Estrange / Composed by Paul Simon

Item: 98-EP73622
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Description

An exquisite and evocative arrangement by Alexander L'Estrange of Paul Simon's 1960s classic song as performed by Simon and Garfunkel. This 4.5-minute unaccompanied SSAATTBB arrangement embraces the classic folk-rock song style so loved by Simon and Garfunkel.

Alexander L'Estrange is a multi-faceted composer, arranger, jazz musician and choral animateur who has been dubbed 'the added 9th of choral music'.

Part of the VOCES8 Singles range.

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Additional Details
Series: Edition Peters
Publisher: Edition Peters
ISBN10: 0-57-702209-1
ISBN13: 979-0-57-702209-3
SKU: 98-EP73622

More about this title

About the Composer: Paul Simon

Paul Simon emerged as one of the defining songwriters of the 1960s, crafting songs that balanced literary sophistication with immediate melodic appeal. His work with Art Garfunkel established a template for folk-rock harmony that continues to influence choral arrangers and vocal musicians across generations.

Why we love this

L'Estrange's arrangement transforms a beloved acoustic recording into a rich eight-part texture without sacrificing the song's intimate soul. The unaccompanied setting forces careful attention to blend and intonation while maintaining the folk sensibility that makes the original resonate with audiences.

What to expect

The arrangement honors the original's introspective quality while opening new harmonic possibilities in the eight-voice texture. You'll find yourself drawn into concentrated listening, where every voice contributes to an atmospheric, almost meditative sound world.

Who it's for

Directors programming mixed ensembles who want to include a well-crafted contemporary work that connects with singers and audiences alike. This piece works for groups comfortable with four-part writing and interested in exploring how a folk-rock standard can live successfully in the choral medium.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the opening sections with restraint; the power of this piece lives in transparency rather than volume.
  • Pay close attention to the divisi in both soprano and alto lines, as these create harmonic depth that can easily blur if not precisely balanced.
  • Allow the text to drive the phrasing; these lyrics carry specific emotional weight that should guide your interpretation of phrase length and dynamics.
  • Rehearse the bass and tenor lines separately from the upper voices to ensure the foundation supports rather than overwhelms the sopranos' primary melody.

How to use it

This pairs naturally with other secular choral works from the 20th century or can anchor a concert exploring the intersection of popular song and choral art. The 4.5-minute duration makes it substantial enough to stand alone as a featured piece without dominating an evening's structure.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing sustained unaccompanied passages with steady intonation
  • Balancing multi-part divisi to create harmonic blend
  • Interpreting folk-rock style within a choral context
  • Managing dynamic control across eight voice parts
  • Text-driven phrasing in contemporary arrangements

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