Begin The Beguine (B.Holman)

Cole Porter’s "Begin The Beguine," originally penned for the 1935 Broadway musical *Jubilee*, stands as a monumental jazz standard, renowned for its intricate harmonic structure and extended form. While initially a show tune, it was Artie Shaw’s iconic 1938 big band recording that catapulted it into the jazz canon, transforming it into a tour de force of swing and technical brilliance. The piece’s enduring popularity lies in its sophisticated melodic lines and a harmonic progression that offers fertile ground for improvisation and inventive arrangement. Its original Latin-tinged rhythm, a beguine, has been reinterpreted countless times, making it a benchmark for arrangers seeking to demonstrate their prowess. Bill Holman's treatment of "Begin The Beguine" is a masterclass in big band arranging, reimagining Porter's classic with his signature West Coast cool jazz aesthetic. This arrangement is a vibrant, up-tempo swing chart, primarily in 4/4, that maintains the original's harmonic sophistication while injecting a propulsive energy. Holman's distinctive voicings are immediately apparent, characterized by tight, often dissonant, clusters in the saxophone section and brass, creating a shimmering, modern sound. The mood is exhilarating and sophisticated, evoking the golden age of big band jazz but filtered through a contemporary lens. It demands precision and stylistic awareness from all sections, promising a rewarding performance experience. Holman's approach to this standard is characterized by his inventive use of counterpoint and rhythmic displacement. The melody is initially presented by the saxophone section in a tightly voiced soli, later transitioning to the brass. Expect intricate ensemble passages where lines weave in and out, creating a dense yet transparent texture. There are featured solo opportunities for Tenor Saxophone and Trumpet, providing ample space for improvisation over the rich harmonic changes. The chart builds dynamically, culminating in a powerful shout chorus that showcases Holman's brilliant orchestration, driving the band to a thrilling climax. Technical challenges include rapid articulation, precise ensemble phrasing, and navigating complex harmonic substitutions, particularly in the brass and saxophone soli sections. The sheer joy of performing Holman’s intricate lines and experiencing the collective power of the ensemble makes this arrangement incredibly rewarding. This arrangement is ideally suited for advanced high school, collegiate, community, and professional big bands. Its demands on individual musicianship and ensemble cohesion are significant, requiring strong section leaders and experienced improvisers. Bands capable of tackling charts by arrangers like Thad Jones, Sammy Nestico, or Bob Brookmeyer will find this piece a compelling addition to their repertoire. It offers an exceptional opportunity to delve into the genius of Bill Holman, exploring his unique harmonic language and rhythmic vitality within the context of a timeless jazz standard. "Begin The Beguine (B.Holman)" is an up-tempo swing chart that demands rhythmic precision and stylistic authenticity. The primary technical challenge lies in the rapid, intricate ensemble passages and the tight voicings, particularly within the saxophone solis. Conductors should emphasize clean articulation and unified phrasing across all sections, using a metronome during initial rehearsals to solidify the rhythmic foundation. The tempo should be bright and driving, around quarter note = 200-220, maintaining a consistent, energetic swing feel without rushing. Brass players will need strong technique for the upper register demands and precise attacks. Encourage soloists to embrace the harmonic complexity, providing ample space for creative improvisation. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to balancing the dense voicings and ensuring all counter-melodies are heard clearly, especially in the shout chorus. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a standard 17-piece big band: Alto Saxophone 1 & 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 & 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1-4, Trombone 1-4, Piano, Bass, Drums, and Guitar. Q: What is the difficulty level of "Begin The Beguine (B.Holman)"? A: This arrangement is considered advanced. It requires strong technical proficiency from all sections, experienced improvisers, and a high level of ensemble cohesion, making it suitable for advanced high school, collegiate, community, and professional big bands. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this arrangement? A: This is an up-tempo swing arrangement of Cole Porter's classic jazz standard, reimagined through the lens of Bill Holman's distinctive West Coast cool jazz style. It blends the sophistication of the 1930s original with modern big band arranging techniques. Q: What makes Bill Holman's arrangement of "Begin The Beguine" unique? A: Holman's arrangement is characterized by his signature tight, often dissonant voicings, inventive counterpoint, rhythmic drive, and sophisticated harmonic reharmonizations, transforming the original into a vibrant and challenging big band showpiece. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo of this piece? A: The approximate performance duration is 4-5 minutes. It is an up-tempo swing chart, ideally performed at a driving tempo of around quarter note = 200-220.