This Love (arr. Hans Kaldeway): SAB Choral Octavo

Hans Kaldeway's arrangement captures the emotional directness of this song while giving your SAB singers genuinely singable lines that sit well across three parts. The orchestration translates efficiently to piano or small ensemble accompaniment, making it practical for groups of varying sizes without losing the song's contemporary energy.

Intimate and contemporary, with the kind of emotional restraint that makes impact through control rather than volume. The arrangement respects the song's original vulnerability while opening it up for three-part voices, creating a moment of genuine connection in performance.

Choirs seeking repertoire that connects with student listeners without compromising vocal arranging craft. This works well for concert programming, pop showcases, or any director looking to expand beyond traditional classical material while maintaining ensemble discipline.

• Balance the alto line carefully in the verses; it carries harmonic weight that supports rather than competes with the soprano melody.
• The recorded accompaniment locks the tempo effectively, but rehearse with piano alone first so your singers own the phrasing and breathe naturally rather than mechanically.
• Shape the dynamics gradually through the verse and build into the chorus; resist the urge to jump to full volume at the obvious moments.
• Let the bass line sit just below the surface in the opening sections; it anchors the arrangement and clarifies the harmonic movement.

Pair this with other pop or contemporary pieces in a second-half concert segment, or feature it as a bridge between classical and modern repertoire in a mixed program. Its 117 pages suggest substantial content; consider it a centerpiece rather than filler.

• Blending across three mixed voices
• Maintaining legit vowel shapes in contemporary idioms
• Releasing unison to harmonized sections cleanly
• Balancing ensemble sound against a rhythmic accompaniment
• Shaping long phrases with minimal breath breaks