Rheinberger’s “Abendlied” — SAATTB Choir Sheet Music
The beloved Romantic evening prayer, reimagined for SAATTB choir a cappella by Paul Lorenz
The plea that closes the day — “Bleib bei uns, denn es will Abend werden” — has been sung in cathedrals, wedding chapels, and concert halls for 170 years. Josef Rheinberger composed this motet at the age of fifteen in Munich, and it has never left the active repertoire of the Western choral tradition. This professional edition delivers the finest available commercial version of the Abendlied: a beautifully engraved SAATTB a cappella arrangement designed for the real demands of modern choral performance.
Every choir director who has opened the IMSLP edition knows the frustration: 19th-century engraving without measure numbers, no rehearsal aids, and a six-part SSATTB texture that places two competing soprano lines in the most exposed register of the piece. The Paul Lorenz edition resolves these challenges with a SAATTB rebalancing — one clear soprano melody above a warm double-alto texture, with twin tenor voices sustaining the harmonic core — concentrating the choral weight exactly where Rheinberger’s evening-song text demands it. Measure numbers at every system, optimized page turns, and MOLA-compliant staff sizes transform a demanding motet into a work your choir can rehearse and perform with confidence.
The Professional SAATTB Edition
Choir SAATTB
€29.90
The complete professional a cappella edition of Rheinberger’s Abendlied for SAATTB choir. Every file you need to purchase, prepare, and perform — delivered instantly as a 600 DPI PDF.
- Complete SAATTB Choral Score (conductor’s & choir score)
- Individual Voice Parts: Soprano, Alto I, Alto II, Tenor I, Tenor II, Bass
- Performance License — print & perform legally
- 600 DPI PDF — optimized for print and tablet
- Measure numbers at every system for efficient rehearsal
Crafted for the Choral Director
- SAATTB: A Richer Voicing: The original SSATTB rebalanced — one clear soprano melody above a warm double-alto texture. Six voices, a warmer character that matches Rheinberger’s evening-song text precisely.
- MOLA-Compliant Engraving: 8.5mm staff size and 600 DPI resolution for crystal-clear reading at the podium, on screen, and in print.
- All Six Parts Individually Extracted: Soprano, Alto I, Alto II, Tenor I, Tenor II, and Bass — each part professionally proofread and ready to distribute to your singers today.
- Instant PDF Delivery: Download begins immediately after purchase — distribute parts to your singers the same day and begin rehearsing tonight.
- Performance License Included: Rheinberger’s composition is public domain. Your arrangement license covers print and performance — no separate ASCAP, BMI, or PRS registration required.
- Bespoke Customization Available: Need a different key, a modified voicing, or an English text underlay (“Bide with us”)? Contact Paul Lorenz Music — the bespoke service is the hallmark of the brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is included in the download?
You receive a complete, performance-ready package: the full SAATTB choral score and six individually extracted voice parts (Soprano, Alto I, Alto II, Tenor I, Tenor II, Bass) — all as high-resolution 600 DPI PDF files, optimized for both screen reading and professional printing. A performance license is included with your purchase.
What is the difficulty level of this arrangement?
This arrangement is Grade 4 — Advanced. It requires secure independent part-singing across six voice lines and sustained control in the pp range. Suitable for advanced amateur, semi-professional, and professional choirs under experienced direction. Not recommended for beginners or small ensembles without reliable sectional coverage.
Do I need a performance license?
Rheinberger’s original Abendlied is in the public domain (Rheinberger died 1901). This arrangement by Paul Lorenz is licensed for unlimited performances with your purchase — no additional ASCAP, BMI, or PRS reporting is required for the arrangement itself. For ticketed performances, standard venue licensing applies as usual.
Can the arrangement be customized for my ensemble?
Absolutely. Paul Lorenz Music offers bespoke customization — a capability unique in the professional sheet music industry. Whether you need a key transposition, a modified voicing, an English text underlay (“Bide with us” after John Rutter), or any other adjustment, we can tailor the arrangement to your exact requirements. Contact us directly to discuss your needs.
What is your refund policy?
Due to the digital nature of our products, we cannot offer refunds once the download has been accessed. We encourage you to review the score preview carefully and contact us with any questions before purchasing.