Twentysomething (arr. Tijs Krammer): SATB Choral Octavo

Tijs Krammer's arrangement transforms a contemporary pop ballad into something genuinely singable for mixed voices without sacrificing the vulnerability that makes Cullum's original so affecting. The 17-page score suggests intelligent voice leading and harmonic depth, giving directors a piece that feels fresh to modern ears while offering real musical substance for your ensemble to sink into.

Introspective and emotionally direct, this arrangement captures the intimate confessional quality of the original while expanding it across four voices. There's a sophistication here born from jazz harmony that prevents the arrangement from ever feeling saccharine, even in its most vulnerable moments.

Directors seeking contemporary material that engages singers and audiences alike will find this arrangement particularly valuable. It works equally well for concert choirs wanting to expand beyond traditional repertoire and for programs aiming to program music that reflects the actual musical world students inhabit outside the choir room.

• Balance the lead line carefully between sections; consider rotating which part carries the primary melody across different verses to maintain listener interest and distribute the technical demands.
• Attend to the jazz-influenced harmonic language by sculpting dynamic layers. The accompaniment voices should breathe as a unified backdrop rather than pushing forward.
• Allow space for text clarity, particularly in moments of introspection. The emotional weight of this piece depends on audiences hearing what the singers are communicating.
• Explore the recorded original not just for style reference but for the specific vocal inflections and phrasing that define the song's character. Use those insights to guide your interpretation.

Consider pairing this with other contemporary works to create a concert segment that speaks to current listeners without sacrificing musical credibility. It also works beautifully as a closer to a pops concert or as a bridge between your classical and more experimental programming.

• Jazz-influenced harmonic listening and chord function recognition
• Sustaining lyrical phrasing across longer melodic lines
• Balancing lead voice against harmonic accompaniment
• Expressive control and dynamic nuance in popular music contexts
• Collaborative section singing that prioritizes ensemble blend over individual voice