Above the Weary, Waiting World: Holiday Titles for Choir Monday, October 27, 2025
recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist
Above the Weary Waiting World by Kim André Arnesen, SATB divisi with piano
Written for the University of South Carolina, this new carol from Norwegian composer Kim André Arnesen sets a beautiful poem by Bliss William Carman (1861-1929). The poem describes a wintery world, with singing bells, a dancing star and expectant hearts, awaiting the arrival of the Christ child. The mystery, anticipation and joy is captured in Arnesen’s music; its striking, soaring melodies and warming harmonies underpinned by flowing piano paint a sublime picture, sure to be a highlight of your Christmas concert.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Eric Whitacre, SATB divisi a cappella
One of Eric Whitacre’s most well-known compositions, “Sleep,” is available now as it was originally composed in 2000, using the Robert Frost poem “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening.” While the circumstances of Frost’s text led to the creation of Whitacre and Silvestri’s first beloved collaboration, this new version offers the chance to hear the music in a completely different light.
The Christmas Life by Lucy Walker, SATB divisi a cappella
The poet, Wendy Cope, conjures a heartwarming image of Christmas in the home. This setting of her comforting poem translates this imagery into a classic Christmas choral sound – a simple, memorable tune, accompanied by mellow, warm harmonies, and a natural lilt as the meter alternates between triple and quadruple time. In the second verse, which is filled with references to light, each voice part expands, up to a blooming chord on ‘shine’, and this section features more exploratory harmonic inflection while retaining the original melody. The final verse begins with a return to the opening music in the lower voices, before growing into a richly scored ending.
Patapan (Guillô, pran ton tamborin) arr. Brent Wells, SATB divisi a cappella with percussion
Brent Wells’ setting of the French carol “Pat-a-pan” centers around the playing of the drums within the lyrics of the song. Lively, joyful, and rhythmic, this is a delightful and expertly-arranged addition to the choral repertoire.
I Wonder as I Wander arr. Jennaya Robison, SATB with harp and oboe
Already a haunting melody, this setting is even more captivating with the addition of the oboe obbligato. Although piano can always accompany adequately, the use of harp furthers the mystic sonorities. This is a stunning Christmas concert selection of medium difficulty.
Ríu Ríu Chíu arr. Bryan Sable, SATB with piano
Bryan Sable’s setting of the Spanish Renaissance carol invites choirs to explore vibrant rhythms and intricate harmonies. Sable’s arrangement infuses a fresh energy into this traditional piece, highlighting its playful melodies and rich textures. A festive, dance-like selection ideal for choirs looking to showcase vocal agility, this arrangement balances challenging moments with moments of lighthearted fun, making it an engaging choice for both singers and audiences.
Coventry Carol arr. Garrett Breeze, SATB a cappella
The 16th century English carol gets a gripping, a cappella treatment, full of dissonance and tension that is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences. Text painting is at its finest in this dark setting, creating a dramatic performance of musical color.
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (Carol for the Weary) arr. Jantz A. Black, SATB with piano and optional chamber orchestra
Opening gently with treble voices singing the first verse, this beloved carol moves into lovely harmonies that capture the beauty of Christmas. Your choir will love singing this arrangement filled with the spirit of joy and hope.
Dreidel Song arr. Christine Helferich Guter, SATB divisi a cappella
This joyful Hanukkah song is always as playful as the toy, but this vocal jazz arrangement bumps it up to classy and elegant. That is exactly why Jonathan Talberg selected it for his series. At last, a Hanukkah song that is as impressive as it is delightful.
Peace, My Soul by Ellen Gilson Voth, SATB with piano and horn
This setting weaves in fragments of the carol “In the Bleak Midwinter” and its references to “snow upon snow.” The music is designed to reflect our ongoing desire for peace, not only during the holidays but beyond.
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About the Author:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.