Three Aesop Fables: SAB Choral Octavo
1. The Lion and the Mouse 2. The Dog and His Reflection 3. The Crow and the Pitcher
Words and music by Christopher Alexander
Item: 00-PO-0007822
$2.60
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Greek storyteller Aesop is known for teaching moral lessons through fables that feature animals with human traits. In this delightful concert work, we learn that "an act of kindness is never wasted," "it is very foolish to be greedy," and "necessity is the mother of invention." Each whimsical movement offers a distinct character and tempo, creating a fantastic opportunity to teach stylistic contrast and dramatic expression. Perform individually or as a five-minute set with singers of any age.
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Sample Audio
1
1 The Lion and the Mouse
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2
2 The Dog and His Reflection
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3
3 The Crow and the Pitcher
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1 The Lion and the Mouse
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Sample Video
Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0007822
More about this title
About the Composer: Christopher Alexander
Christopher Alexander (b. 1986) brings a versatile approach to vocal and choral composition, drawing on training in vocal music education from Missouri Western State University and years of self-directed study at the piano. His catalog spans instrumental works, vocal solos, and choral literature, with pieces published across several major publishers including Alfred Music, GIA, and Hal Leonard.
Based in St. Joseph, Missouri, Alexander remains deeply engaged with the singing community through commissions, musical theatre direction, and his ongoing role as pianist and arranger for The New Generation Singers. He holds membership in NAfME, ACDA, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and welcomes commissions and conducting requests.
Why we love this
Alexander captures the essence of each fable with harmonic clarity and rhythmic vitality that keeps SAB singers engaged without overcomplicating their parts. The three distinct movements function beautifully as standalone pieces or as a unified concert work, giving directors flexibility in programming while the moral lessons provide natural talking points about character and interpretation.
What to expect
Each movement unfolds with whimsical clarity, evoking the wit and wisdom embedded in Aesop's storytelling. The music captures animal character and moral wit through straightforward harmonic language and rhythmic vitality, creating moments of humor, warmth, and gentle teaching that resonate with singers and audiences alike.
Who it's for
This work suits mixed choirs of any age, from middle school through adult community groups, who want engaging concert repertoire without complex voice-leading. Directors seeking accessible pieces that still offer interpretive depth and stylistic teaching moments will find real value in the fable framework and clear structural design.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish clear character work before rehearsing notes: discuss what each fable's animal teaches and how that translates into vocal tone and phrasing for each movement.
- Use the tempo markings as interpretive anchors; the contrast between movements is central to the work's impact, so lock in tempos early and maintain them with conviction.
- Balance the three parts by listening for harmonic blend rather than forcing equal volume; SAB voicing naturally distributes melody and support differently across movements.
- Experiment with dynamic contrast within phrases to bring out the storytelling quality; Aesop's fables rely on narrative momentum, and singers should shape their lines accordingly.
How to use it
Program the three movements as a continuous five-minute suite for a concert centerpiece, or mix and match individual fables to complement thematic programming around character, morality, or lighter fare. The accessible voicing and clear emotional arc make this ideal for spring concerts or festival performances where directors want substance without technical overreach.
Skills your students will build
- stylistic contrast and dramatic expression across three distinct musical characters
- harmonic blend and balance in SAB voicing
- text interpretation and storytelling through music
- tempo stability and precision in tempo changes between movements
- phrasing and dynamic shaping to support narrative momentum