Whisper! Whisper! (Baby Born Today): TTBB, a cappella Choral Octavo
Words and music by Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0002068
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Another memorable Christmas spiritual from Jay Althouse. Strong dynamic contrasts (from "Whisper, whisper, tiny baby in a manger lay" to "Shout it out from the hills and valleys; baby born today") make this a winner for your choir. A lush middle section contrasts with the rhythmic excitement of the opening theme. Brief, easy solos for both a male and female singer. A cappella.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0002068
More about this title
About the Composer: Jay Althouse
Jay Althouse studied music education and music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he later earned the Distinguished Alumni award. Early in his career, he worked as a rights and licenses administrator for a major educational music publisher and served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America.
Althouse has composed more than 800 choral works performed extensively across English-speaking countries. His output spans the full range of choir levels, and his compositions regularly receive ASCAP Special Awards. Beyond composition, he has co-created children's musicals with Sally K. Albrecht, compiled vocal solo collections, and authored classroom resources including Ready to Read Music and One-Page Composer Bios. His choral work "I Hear America Singing," co-written with Albrecht, was performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Obama's 2009 Inauguration. Althouse has served the North Carolina Master Chorale and currently sits on the National Advisory Board of the Folk Art Society of America.
Why we love this
Althouse builds genuine dramatic architecture into this spiritual, letting the dynamic range do the storytelling work. The arc from hushed reverence to jubilant proclamation mirrors the emotional journey of the text, and that lush middle section gives your singers a moment to explore blend and balance before the energy builds again. The solo moments for both high and lower voices ensure everyone gets a chance to shine.
What to expect
Intimate and reverent at first, then progressively bolder until joy breaks wide open. The central section unfolds with lush harmonic color, suggesting wonder and contemplation before the rhythmic vitality returns. The overall arc feels like a spiritual that earned its place through genuine emotional truth rather than surface charm.
Who it's for
TTBB ensembles at intermediate level and beyond. The piece works equally well for college choirs, adult community choirs, and advanced high school groups. Its a cappella writing and spiritual foundation suit Christmas concerts, contest festivals, and celebration services.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening "Whisper" section with real restraint; the contrast lands harder when the first section is genuinely soft and intimate rather than merely moderate in volume.
- Bring the soloists forward slightly in their brief passages without disrupting the ensemble's cohesion. These moments should feel like individuals within the group, not detached from it.
- Let the middle section breathe. Its richness comes from space between phrases and careful voice independence, not from pushing the tempo or intensity.
How to use it
Position this as a mid-point anchor in your Christmas program, after lighter or processional pieces and before your final climactic work. Its mix of restraint and excitement works beautifully to reset the audience's attention. It also serves well in a festival setting where judges appreciate both musical sophistication and accessibility.
Skills your students will build
- Dynamic contrast and shaping across a full range from ppp to ff
- A cappella blend and intonation without instrumental reference
- Solo performance within an ensemble context
- Rhythmic precision in the opening and closing sections
- Phrasing and breath management in the legato middle section