Anything You Can Do (L.Stone)

Irving Berlin's iconic "Anything You Can Do" first burst onto the scene in 1946 as a showstopper from the Broadway musical *Annie Get Your Gun*. This spirited duet, originally performed by Ethel Merman and Ray Middleton, quickly became a cultural touchstone, embodying a playful yet competitive American spirit. While not traditionally a jazz standard in the improvisational sense, its enduring melody, clear harmonic structure, and universal appeal have made it a favorite for diverse interpretations across various genres, including big band dance orchestras of the mid-20th century. The song's inherent theatricality and call-and-response structure lend themselves perfectly to the dynamic interplay of a large ensemble, evoking the post-war era's optimism and flair for entertainment. L. Stone's arrangement masterfully reimagines this classic as a vibrant Foxtrot, aligning with the "big_band_dance" ensemble type. Set in a bright, driving tempo, the arrangement maintains the original's playful character while infusing it with sophisticated big band voicings and rhythmic propulsion. The primary key of F Major provides a comfortable yet energetic foundation, allowing the brass to shine with crisp articulations and the saxophones to deliver smooth, harmonized lines. Stone's signature approach often involves a blend of traditional big band aesthetics with modern harmonic touches, ensuring the arrangement feels both authentic to its era and fresh for contemporary audiences. The overall mood is one of joyful exuberance, perfect for setting a lively atmosphere. The arrangement features a compelling narrative, with the melody initially shared between the trumpet and alto saxophone, creating a conversational feel that mirrors the original duet. Later, the full saxophone section takes the lead with a tightly voiced soli, showcasing their blend and precision. A powerful shout chorus builds excitement, characterized by robust brass figures and driving rhythm section hits, culminating in a dynamic full-ensemble statement. While there are no extended open solo sections, opportunities for brief, improvised fills or embellished melodic lines are present, particularly within the trumpet and alto saxophone parts. Technical challenges include precise articulation in the brass, maintaining a consistent Foxtrot groove, and navigating the dynamic shifts that are crucial to the arrangement's dramatic arc. The rewarding aspect lies in the ensemble's ability to tell the story of the song through synchronized section work and vibrant musicality. This arrangement is ideally suited for college and advanced high school jazz ensembles, as well as community big bands and professional dance orchestras seeking a polished, engaging Foxtrot for their repertoire. The demands on section blend, rhythmic accuracy, and dynamic control require a band with solid fundamentals and experience in the big band idiom. Its clear structure and appealing melody make it an excellent choice for concert programs, dances, or any occasion where a sophisticated yet accessible big band sound is desired. Conductors should emphasize a bright, driving Foxtrot feel from the outset, maintaining a consistent tempo around 140-150 BPM. The rhythmic precision of the brass section is paramount, particularly in the accented figures and shout chorus, requiring crisp articulations and unified attacks. The saxophone soli demands excellent intonation and blend, focusing on a smooth, connected sound. Encourage dynamic contrast throughout, from the playful opening statements to the powerful full-ensemble sections, using crescendos and decrescendos to build and release tension effectively. Pay close attention to the rhythm section, ensuring the bass and drums provide a solid, unwavering foundation for the dance groove. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to balancing the interplay between sections, particularly where the melody passes between instruments, and to finessing the overall dynamic shape to maximize the arrangement's theatrical impact. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a standard 17-piece big band dance ensemble, including Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, Piano, Bass, and Drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of L. Stone's "Anything You Can Do" arrangement? A: This arrangement is rated as medium-advanced, suitable for college, advanced high school, community, and professional big bands due to its demands on section precision, dynamic control, and rhythmic accuracy. Q: What musical style and historical context does this arrangement represent? A: This arrangement is a Foxtrot, based on Irving Berlin's classic song from *Annie Get Your Gun* (1946), capturing the vibrant and optimistic big band dance music style of the mid-20th century. Q: What makes L. Stone's arrangement of "Anything You Can Do" unique? A: L. Stone's treatment transforms the original duet into a sophisticated big band Foxtrot, featuring signature tight voicings, dynamic section interplay, and a powerful shout chorus while maintaining the song's playful character. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and recommended tempo for this piece? A: The approximate performance duration is 3:00-3:30 minutes, and the recommended tempo is a bright, driving Foxtrot around 140-150 BPM.