Since their formation in 1960, the Melodeers, a 125-member Sweet Adelines Chorus, have won the International Championship twice in succession (1997, 1998). Their energetic and vivacious style must also be credited to their redoubtable director, Jim Arns, who also wrote some of the arrangements. "Do You Hear What I Hear?" offers every imaginable variation (echo, contrast motion, swipes, modulation) of the familiar refrain, and sets up the grand finale with a turnaround, pushing the phrasing to make room for a zestful seventh chord and another key change. "Psalm 98/Shalom" begins on a long open note, gradually converging to the dominant; the subsequent section is a rapid fire allegro, broken by a repetitive adagio two-part interlude. Sound unconventional? It is. "Silent Night," "The Christmas Song" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" are among the many traditionals. The Chorus lets loose on "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer." |
