The Virgin's Slumber Song: Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by John Leavitt
Item: 35-PK00036091
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Description
Gentle rocking rhythms and expressive vocal lines enhance the richness of the music in this setting of the Reger art song by John Leavitt. Instrumental ePak (score and parts for Flute 1 2, Oboe, Clarinet 1 2, Bassoon, Percussion 1 2, Harp, Violin 1 2, Viola, Cello and Bass). Performance Time: Approx. 2:00
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00036091
More about this title
About the Artist: John Leavitt
John Leavitt is a prolific composer and arranger whose output spans choral, instrumental, and vocal music for educational and professional ensembles. His gift for crafting singable lines and accessible yet sophisticated harmonies has made him a fixture in school and church music programs across North America. Leavitt's arrangements of existing works, including art songs and folk material, demonstrate a keen ear for orchestration and an instinct for preserving the emotional core of the original while expanding its expressive range.
Why we love this
Leavitt's setting transforms Reger's art song into something that feels both intimate and orchestrally rich, avoiding the bloat that can happen when you add instruments to a delicate vocal line. The inclusion of a full instrumental ePak makes this genuinely useful for programs that want to feature a chamber choir without asking them to accompany themselves or rely on a piano reduction.
What to expect
Quiet devotion wrapped in warmth. The gentle rocking rhythms create a sense of comfort and protection, while the instrumental writing adds luminous color without ever overwhelming the intimacy of the vocal line. It's the musical equivalent of a lullaby heard from the next room; present but hushed.
Who it's for
Chamber choirs with access to instrumental musicians or programs that combine vocal and instrumental ensembles. This works equally well for church services during the Christmas season and for choral concert programming where you want something reflective and emotionally direct.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the harp carefully in rehearsal; it should support rather than anchor the harmonic movement, allowing the string parts to carry the weight of the accompaniment.
- Work the choir's vowel shapes first without the instruments so the vocal line sits comfortably in the exposed passages before blending it with the orchestra.
- Take time with the gently rocking rhythm in the accompaniment; resist the urge to rush through what sounds simple, as subtlety in tempo consistency matters here.
- Rehearse the winds as a section to ensure their sustained lines create a cohesive harmonic bed that supports rather than competes with the choral writing.
How to use it
Slot this into a Christmas concert as a contrasting moment between more energetic seasonal fare, or feature it in a sacred choral program exploring quiet reflection and prayer. The two-minute length makes it ideal as an interlude or as part of a longer themed set with other contemplative Christmas or advent repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Singing exposed lines in a small ensemble without instrumental doubling
- Balancing vocalists with multiple instrumental timbres (harp, strings, winds)
- Maintaining steady tempo through passages that feel rhythmically simple but require precision
- Blending ensemble sound across choir and orchestra in a chamber setting