The Alphabet

Commissioned by the Laudate Singers in 2015.

Duration approximately 3’00.

Performed by the Laudate Singers.

This setting of the Alphabet is as much like the iconic children’s tune as a feather floating in the breeze is like a stack of cinderblocks falling through a skylight. Completely irreverent, whimsical, and funky beautiful.

If you’re an English speaker, you most likely know the iconic tune. It, and other songs like it, are used around the world in early childhood education. Since awareness of the original tune (And lyrics!) is so widespread, it represents a vulnerability that a composer could exploit to connect with an audience.

Text by Charles Bradlee,

A-B-C-D-E-F-G,

H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P,

Q-R-S-T-U-V,

W-X-Y-Z,

Now I know my A-B-C’s,

Next time won’t you sing with me.