“Song Cycle is bursting with great melodies, fresh air and fun; it simply leaps off the page!”
“We had great fun rehearsing and performing Song Cycle: singable tunes, catchy rhythms, sumptuous harmony and quirky percussive effects on bells, pumps and hooters. The recent addition of a substantial part for children’s choir has made this a great piece for community involvement.”
Song Cycle: vive la vélorution!
What is Song Cycle?
Song Cycle is a sequence of entertaining songs about the bicycle and the joys of cycling (8 originals and 2 arrangements of existing songs). It contains a wide variety of musical styles including jazz, musical theatre, barbershop, pastiche Victorian Music Hall and folk. The “vive la vélorution!” strapline is intended to evoke the Tour de France for which the piece was commissioned.
What’s it scored for?
SATB choir, unison children’s choir (optional) and jazz quintet (piano, bass, drums, flugelhorn & flute). The singers are also required to “play” bicycle pumps, bells and a klaxon!
Do I need to have a jazz quintet to perform it?
Yes but you don’t need to find the musicians yourself. You can hire Alexander L’Estrange’s Call Me Al Quintet. For more information, send us a message via the Contact page.
I’m interested, show me the music
You can view the vocal score in full here.
What does my choir need and how much does it cost?
You need a set of vocal scores and a set of band parts to perform Song Cycle which are published by Faber Music. If your performance is taking place in the UK, please see the information below. If you're outside the UK, please email marketing@fabermusic.com who will be able to able to assist you.
Vocal Scores may be hired at a cost of £2.75 per copy, per month. This includes a licence for one performance. The fee for each additional month of hire is £1 per copy. Copies for use in a workshop (singing day) can be hired for £1.30 per copy. Vocal scores are also available for purchase from Faber Music or your local music retailer. The RRP is currently £9.99 per copy but please ask about bulk discounts. Why not start by emailing sales@fabermusic.com
The Instrumental Score & Parts are only available for hire at a cost of £240 per month. This includes a licence for one performance. The fee for each additional month of hire is £45. An additional performance is £90.
A Children's Choir Part, complete with rehearsal audio is available to download - see the button below!
If you need to take any of this information away to discuss with your choir or committee, simply download the organiser's pack below.
Is there anything to help my choir learn the piece?
Yes, part-learning tracks for the SATB choir are available from the CD/Download Store.
Workshop Opportunities
Why not book Alexander L’Estrange to come and work with your SATB choir and/or children’s choir prior to your performance? For more information see the Workshop Leader page.