a cappella – Page 5

Voctave | Smile

Charlie Chaplin‘s classic 1936 song “Smile” is performed here by Voctave, whose members sang and sent in their individual parts from home. Key change at 0:47; also gotta love ending on the 9.

We’ve featured Peter Hollens a few times and hope his rendition of “Danny Boy” (2016) brings you a smile and some peace during this strange, difficult period we find ourselves in. The key change is at 1:20.

The Maccabeats + Naturally 7 | Shed a Little Light

This tune features more of a key-of-the-moment shift than a true modulation, but we hope we’ll be forgiven. ❤ Here are two top-drawer a capella ensembles, The Maccabeats and Naturally 7, collaborating on a gorgeous 2016 cover of James Taylor‘s “Shed a Little Light” (1991), honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. amid Washington, DC’s monuments.

Set overall in Bb major, the tune shifts to a v minor / bVII major / I major vamp as the bridge starts at 1:53, returning to a straightforward Bb major at 2:17.

Take 6 | Go Tell It On the Mountain

A cappella group TAKE 6‘s version of “Go Tell It On the Mountain” was included on their 1999 album We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Key change at 3:57.

Lida Rose/Will I Ever Tell You (from “Music Man”)

“Lida Rose/Will I Ever Tell You” is from Meredith Willson’s 1957 classic The Music Man. Great vocal arranging throughout, and a perfect key change at 1:46.

Voctave | Moon River

Here is another rendition of “Moon River” by Henry Mancini, originally from the Breakfast At Tiffanys soundtrack (1961). This performance by Voctave features modulations at 1:36 and 2:23.

Voctave | Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Voctave has released a new album entitled Somewhere There’s Music featuring this arrangement “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” the track below. Modulation at 1:47, but do yourself the favor of listening to the whole thing.

Jacob Collier | Moon River

Jacob Collier‘s newest release is an arrangement of “Moon River,” written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer in 1960 — it will blow your mind. Starting in Bb, it modulates to Db at 3:48, then to D at 4:34. After a long, winding transition, we end up in Eb at 5:55, and go in many different directions from there before ultimately landing on a…C major chord. 🤯 There is no one like this guy, and this might be his most epic masterpiece yet.

UPDATE | April 12, 2020:

This update isn’t strictly a modulation, but in this 90-minute video Collier breaks down, in granular detail, how he put together the arrangement. It is staggering, and includes a fascinating discussion of harmony.