CROSSING THE BAR
Lyrics by Alfred Lord Tennyson, Music by Rani Arbo
This poem Crossing the Bar by Alfred Lord Tennyson is one of the poet's last. This rendition was adapted by Rani Arbo who gave it its beautiful, natural melody. A clear metaphor for the impending end of life, the plaintive lyric within this simplest of melodies imparts an exquisite and profound comfort - a perfect farewell from the beloved traveling on. Choral arrangements have been created by the score and are easily found on YouTube. The composer's source version below is hands down our favorite.
If you want to develop expressive delivery of a song you love, this rendition of Crossing the Bar is a master class in beautiful phrasing.
If you want to develop expressive delivery of a song you love, this rendition of Crossing the Bar is a master class in beautiful phrasing.
When you listen to Rani's rendition of her song, lean in to hear the wonderful phrasing she uses to express the song perfectly. It's unaffected arrangement informs us once again that "less is more" and allows space to soak in the words and respond. If your audience needs a good cry, this song opens the door to between heart and soul.
The first chart here for Crossing the Bar has the chord chart on page with lyrics to notate your own way. The second and third charts are for guitarists who want to play along with easier chord shapes (G) by placing capo on fret 3 and follow the chords.
The worksheet of the chart following the first page is worth printing to listen and make notes on the phrasing. Place a hashmark (/) at every "breath" spot - this helps to know where to grab a breath so the words can flow expressively. You can also note ornaments, places the voice extends or trills up or down. Many musicians (including myself) use a kind of personal "steno" and create symbols and motifs that you will recognize as directives for the voice in song. Print the worksheet here to try it for yourself - notating in your own way what exactly you are hearing the voice do. It will help as you assimilate this gorgeous piece and integrate it in with your own take on the song. This is the perfect start in learning how to create perfect phrasing. Listen, note and mimic. After you've "got it" make whatever changes you feel called to add to make it yours. Share this one - it's a great song for group singing.
Note: This chart is in Bb to follow the key Rani sings it in on the YouTube below. It's just right for her voice. This way you can play along to learn it from the master. You always have the option to transpose to another key if the song rings in your voice elsewhere.
The first chart here for Crossing the Bar has the chord chart on page with lyrics to notate your own way. The second and third charts are for guitarists who want to play along with easier chord shapes (G) by placing capo on fret 3 and follow the chords.
The worksheet of the chart following the first page is worth printing to listen and make notes on the phrasing. Place a hashmark (/) at every "breath" spot - this helps to know where to grab a breath so the words can flow expressively. You can also note ornaments, places the voice extends or trills up or down. Many musicians (including myself) use a kind of personal "steno" and create symbols and motifs that you will recognize as directives for the voice in song. Print the worksheet here to try it for yourself - notating in your own way what exactly you are hearing the voice do. It will help as you assimilate this gorgeous piece and integrate it in with your own take on the song. This is the perfect start in learning how to create perfect phrasing. Listen, note and mimic. After you've "got it" make whatever changes you feel called to add to make it yours. Share this one - it's a great song for group singing.
Note: This chart is in Bb to follow the key Rani sings it in on the YouTube below. It's just right for her voice. This way you can play along to learn it from the master. You always have the option to transpose to another key if the song rings in your voice elsewhere.