Choir of the Sound has always been fortunate in the depth and range of talents our membership brings to our shows. The current situation puts the spotlight on the technological expertise that is allowing us to go virtual, but we have always drawn on member creativity that goes far beyond singing. Along with the artists, instrumentalists, dancers, and choreographers who add so much to our staged productions, we have our very own arrangers and composers in residence. The upcoming virtual holiday show will feature a haunting version of “The First Noel,” set for us by Jeff Crull, who was willing to answer some questions about his creative process.
Was this carol your choice, or was it specifically requested by Artistic Director Jeremy Matheis?
“The First Noel” was all me. I had two [original] pieces that mix a traditional Christmas carol with a new melody, and was looking at a third piece that I thought might mix with “The First Noel.” I envisioned combining the three of them into a Nativity mini-set with some spoken text, but it wasn’t quite coming together. Then, I started thinking about just coming up with a brand new melody for “The First Noel.” The theme of the show that year featured new takes on Victorian traditions, and “The First Noel” was first published near that era, (although it probably originated in the 13th or 14th century), so it was close enough to fit.
You used a minor key for your new melody, instead of the more upbeat major melody. What made you think of that?
I’ve always been fascinated by changing a song from a major key to a minor to see how it sounds. More often than not, you end up with something that sounds pretty odd, but occasionally you get a keeper. If you recall, for our spirituals concert [in March of 2016] I arranged an instrumental version of “Deep River” that turned out really good.
Yes, that one was also a hit on our tour of Central Europe that summer; Tami Horiuchi brought her clarinet along to perform it. We have sung quite a few of your pieces over the years; when did you start composing?
You’d have to go all the way back to my time in middle school; that’s when I first got the urge to create. Back then the songs I did were short, quirky melodies, or things I never completed. I didn’t really start getting serious about writing until college, while doing my degree in piano pedagogy and performance. While I enjoy playing and singing, I am more passionate about creating music than performing music; I wish I’d had my “aha” moment sooner. After college, I started writing simple things for my church; my first major performance was a piece called “On This Holy Night,” in Choir of the Sound’s 2003 Holiday Show. Since then, various other arrangements and songs have been featured by Choir of the Sound, and in church services.
Your original composition “Everlasting Love” was a beautiful opener for our solo set at Benaroya Hall last February. Have you ever published any of your songs?
Not yet, although I’ve tried in the past. I’m hoping that I can get my songs out there for people to enjoy. My sincere hope is that “The First Noel” will put everyone in a state of peace and Christmas spirit as we traverse these uncertain times.
Thank you, Jeff, for sharing this with us–and for all the music you bring to our stage!