(They Long To Be) Close To You (arr. Deke Sharon): SSA Choral Octavo
(They Long To Be) Close To You (arr. Deke Sharon) Sheet Music Preview

(They Long To Be) Close To You (arr. Deke Sharon): SSA Choral Octavo

As performed by Carpenters / Arranged by Deke Sharon

Item: 35-DS00318688
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 7
SKU: 35-DS00318688

More about this title

About the Artist: Carpenters

The Carpenters emerged in the early 1970s as one of the defining voices of soft pop and easy listening. Richard and Karen Carpenter crafted a signature sound built on lush vocal harmonies, sophisticated arrangements, and impeccable production that earned them Grammy Awards and enduring commercial success. Their catalogue remains a masterclass in vocal blend and emotional restraint.

Karen's contralto voice and Richard's arranging sensibility created music that rewards close listening in ensemble settings. For choral directors, the Carpenters' work offers accessible pathways into jazz harmonies and popular song interpretation without sacrificing musical substance.

Why we love this

Deke Sharon's arrangement captures the warmth and intimacy of the original while tailoring it perfectly for SSA forces. The piece sits gracefully for changing voices and delivers a satisfying emotional arc that audiences recognize immediately, making it ideal for concerts where you want genuine connection rather than technical showcase.

What to expect

There's an aching quality to this arrangement that honors the original's tenderness while creating a new intimacy through three-part writing. The piece unfolds with unhurried grace, inviting singers and listeners alike into a moment of genuine vulnerability rather than theatrical display.

Who it's for

This arrangement works beautifully for treble choirs at the intermediate to advanced level, including high school groups and community ensembles. It's equally valuable for directors seeking accessible material that still demands musicianship and offers genuine performance satisfaction without extreme technical demands.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the top line carefully in the opening phrases; the melody can easily overwhelm the inner voices if not monitored in early rehearsals.
  • Shape the piece through dynamic restraint rather than volume changes. The emotional power lives in the nuance of the harmonic movement.
  • Attend to vowel consistency across the three parts, especially in moments where parts move in parallel motion. Unified tone color will make Sharon's arrangement sing.

How to use it

Nest this piece in a program of popular standards or romantic ballads where its familiar melody becomes a bridge between classical programming and contemporary taste. It can anchor a concert section about longing and connection, or serve as a crowd-pleasing closer that sends audiences out emotionally satisfied.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing melody and accompaniment in a three-part texture
  • Singing with emotional authenticity rather than technical display
  • Maintaining consistent vowel formation across parallel voice movement
  • Interpreting popular song material with musical sophistication

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