Winter's Defeat: SAB Choral Octavo
Words and music by Gwyn Williams / arr. Charles McCartha
Item: 00-PO-0006044
$2.20
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
The optional lilting flute and rhythmic hand drum parts lend a festive air to this song that celebrates the end of winter. Robust choral singing throughout beckons a change of season, and a soaring descant at the end signals the triumphant return of spring. A fully developed piece for winter and spring programs.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0006044
More about this title
Why we love this
The descant entrance transforms what could be a straightforward seasonal piece into something genuinely moving; that moment of soaring upper voices landing on the triumph of spring's return justifies programming this across your entire mixed choir. The optional instrumental parts give you flexibility without compromising the piece if you're building an all-vocal concert, yet they add genuine textural richness when your flute and percussion sections are available.
What to expect
Robust and celebratory, with an undercurrent of anticipation. The optional lilting flute and hand drum create a festive atmosphere that feels folk-rooted, while the powerful choral writing and soaring descant at the close evoke genuine triumph rather than mere seasonal cheerfulness.
Who it's for
SAB choirs seeking a piece with real substance for winter and spring programming. This works for mixed ensembles with developing singers who benefit from the three-part texture, and it's substantial enough to hold its own on a concert alongside larger works.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the optional flute and hand drum parts so they enhance rather than overshadow the choral texture; they should feel like a welcoming shimmer underneath robust singing, not a competing layer.
- Shape the phrase toward the descant entrance so the soaring lines feel earned, not sudden. Build momentum gradually through the middle section.
- Commit to the festive energy in the rhythmic hand drum part; this rhythmic anchor keeps the piece from feeling precious and anchors the seasonal celebration in genuine joy.
How to use it
Close a winter concert with this piece to signal the turning of seasons and the renewal ahead. It pairs well with other spring-themed repertoire and carries enough musical weight to anchor a mixed program without requiring a full orchestra or additional forces.
Skills your students will build
- Singing sustained, robust lines while maintaining ensemble blend in three-part voicing
- Balancing optional instrumental parts with choral texture
- Building dramatic shape toward a climactic descant entrance
- Stylistic interpretation of seasonal and celebratory material with textual clarity