Crossing The Bar Divisi - Digital Sheet Music

Crossing the Bar is an arrangement of a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, to a setting by Rani Arbo. Tennyson’s poem compares passing to the afterlife as crossing a sandbar. Although little is known of the background of its composition, Tennyson was said to have asked his son to publish it at the end of all editions of his other works shortly before dying. Arbo’s setting was written in response to the death of her husband’s grandmother.This arrangement for divided SATB choir should be performed with a degree of fluidity, particularly with regard to expressive dynamics and rubato. Don’t feel like you have to stick too closely to the printed notes, particularly in the solo/melody lines. A somewhat folky feel is the goal, so small slides and grace notes are encouraged. Due to the intimate nature of the work, this arrangement would be well suited for performance by smaller choirs. When performed by larger ensembles, the intimate sense should be maintained.For more arrangements and original compositions, visit matteoressa.com.