What A Wonderful World: Choral Instrumental Pak
By Bob Thiele / By George Weiss / As performed by Louis Armstrong / Arranged by Mark Hayes
Item: 35-PK00179747
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Description
Though earlier recorded by many artists, Louis Armstrong's 1971 rendition made this a hit in 1988 and established it as a standard among songs. The optimistic message regarding the future is beautifully captured in Mark's orchestrated choral of lush and full harmonies and will certainly become a classic. Duration: ca. 4:10.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00179747
More about this title
About the Composer: Bob Thiele
Bob Thiele composed "What a Wonderful World" in 1967 alongside lyricist George Weiss, crafting a song whose warmth and accessibility would transcend decades. Though initially recorded by artists like Joey Adams, the composition found its defining voice through Louis Armstrong's 1971 rendition, which transformed it into a cultural touchstone and cemented Thiele's gift for writing melodies that speak to universal human optimism.
Why we love this
Mark Hayes's orchestration captures the song's inherent gentleness without losing its forward momentum, giving your ensemble a sophisticated reading that feels earned rather than oversimplified. The harmonic language sits comfortably in your singers' ranges while offering enough textural depth to reward careful rehearsal, and the piece's emotional directness means even newer ensembles can convey genuine sincerity.
What to expect
Warm and expansive, with lush harmonies that envelop the listener in a sense of gratitude and possibility. The orchestration creates an intimate yet full sound, balancing tenderness with moments of genuine grandeur, making the optimistic message feel both personal and universal.
Who it's for
Choirs performing at concerts, festivals, or graduation ceremonies who want a piece that combines accessibility with genuine musicality. The work suits ensembles ranging from community and church choirs to high school and college groups seeking repertoire with both heart and sophistication.
How to get the most out of it
- Build the phrase lengths gradually throughout the first verse; resist the urge to breathe at every obvious moment, allowing the melody to flow with conversational ease.
- Balance the orchestral accompaniment carefully so the choir's entrances land with clarity without forcing dynamics; the arrangement's fullness can mask ensemble attacks if the parts aren't crisply articulated.
- Shape the text expressively by listening to Armstrong's phrasing and considering where natural speech rhythms would suggest subtle rubato, especially in the closing measures.
How to use it
Anchor a concert's second half with this piece, placing it after more dramatic or technically demanding works to shift the emotional temperature toward hope and reflection. It works beautifully as a closer or the song before a final, contrasting selection, and its message makes it ideal for graduation programs, spring concerts, or end-of-year celebrations.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining legit vocal production across four-minute phrases
- Blending voiced and unvoiced consonants for clarity in ensemble singing
- Balancing individual line work with harmonic cohesion in lush chord progressions
- Following orchestral cues and responding to instrumental textures
- Interpreting popular song standards with choral sophistication