Als ich fortging - Sheet Music for mixed choir SAB + piano Dirk Michaelis

"Als ich fortging" is one of the most beloved songs of the GDR era — and this sheet music arrangement for mixed choir SAB with piano accompaniment finally makes it accessible for ensembles. The arrangement is suited to choirs and pianists with approximately three or more years of instruction, and assumes a solid command of polyphonic voice leading.

Choral Sheet Music "Als ich fortging" – Powerful GDR Classic for Choir & Piano

"Als ich fortging" was written by Dirk Michaelis and Gisela Steineckart and released in 1987. The song speaks of departure and looking back — an emotional tension that continues to give the piece its lasting resonance. With this song, Dirk Michaelis became one of the most distinctive voices in East German pop.

In this choral arrangement, the piece unfolds its full dramatic weight through the interplay of three voices. C minor lends the whole a serious, almost somber character — with the piano holding that foundation steady while the choral voices sing above it. The melody moves in the middle register with a range of just under an octave, keeping the parts comfortably singable. Central to the arrangement is the polyphonic voice leading: soprano, alto, and baritone carry independent lines that both support and challenge one another. The tempo is driving — neither rushed nor dragging, but with a clear sense of forward momentum.

• Ideal for: Choral concerts, school performances, and cultural events with an emotionally resonant program
• Tempo: 120 — driving and animated

The octave leaps and position shifts in the left hand of the piano part will feel most secure when practiced in isolation first — slowly, with deliberate attention to the target position, before bringing the tempo up. Fast runs gain reliability when worked through in small sections with varied rhythms. For the choir, locking in each voice part individually before combining them will save considerable time in full rehearsal. The piece thrives on strong dynamic contrasts — dynamics should be actively shaped, not simply allowed to happen. A piano that is truly held back makes the subsequent forte all the more effective.

Before purchasing, it's worth browsing the scrollable score preview — all six pages are fully visible, so there are no surprises. A short demo audio sample is also available to give you a first impression of the arrangement. The sheet music is available for immediate download after purchase. 100% licensed — ready to perform legally, right away.

Editorially reviewed by the notendownload.com team