The Times They Are A-Changin’

Category:   SSAA CHOIRS
Composer:   Bob Dylan
Arranger:   Adam Podd
Publisher:   Hal Leonard
Edition:   01179923
Voicing:   SSAA
Setting:   NA

Reviewer:   

Katelyn Sawatzke
Stillwater Area High School
R&R Chair SSAA Choirs
sawatzkek@stillwaterschools.org

I first heard Adam Podd’s stunning arrangement of “The Times They Are A-Changin’” performed by The Concordia Choir at Orchestra Hall during the F. Melius Christiansen 151st Anniversary Concerts. In my opinion, the SSAA arrangement is equally dynamic for treble choirs. Bob Dylan’s words are a true reflection of America’s political and social divide in the 1960’s, and his message remains highly relevant today. Adam Podd sets Dylan’s anthem of change in a variety of compound meters – duple, triple, and quadruple – manifesting the song’s Scottish and Irish influence. Podd brings poignancy to the text through beat subdivisions and syncopations that will challenge singers, but ultimately lead to inherent musicality and expressivity. My singers adored the lilting phrases and unique harmonizations in this piece! I cannot wait to program it again.

Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZZWnS7Ym-s

Link:  https://www.halleonard.com/product/1179923/the-times-they-are-a-changin