Dodging A Divorcee (B.Goodman)

Reginald Foresythe's "Dodging A Divorcee," originally penned in 1935, emerged from an era of innovative British jazz and light orchestral music, characterized by its sophisticated harmonic language and often whimsical titles. Foresythe, a pioneering Black British composer, arranger, and pianist, was known for his elegant, often melancholic, and harmonically advanced compositions that bridged the gap between hot jazz and more refined orchestral sounds. While not a mainstream "jazz standard" in the improvisational sense, its unique charm and compositional integrity have made it a favorite among connoisseurs and a distinctive piece in the big band repertoire, notably popularized by Benny Goodman's interpretations. The piece embodies the sophisticated, pre-swing era aesthetic, featuring intricate counterpoint and a refined, almost chamber-like approach to big band scoring. B.Goodman's arrangement of "Dodging A Divorcee" captures the original's playful yet intricate character, presenting it as a medium-swing novelty piece in the key of C Major. The overall mood is lighthearted and energetic, evoking a sense of polite urgency and witty evasion. Goodman's approach is meticulously crafted, focusing on precise ensemble work and clear melodic lines. The arrangement prominently features the woodwind section, particularly the clarinets, which often carry the primary melodic material with a bright, articulate timbre. The brass sections provide crisp, punctuating figures and rich harmonic support, avoiding heavy, blaring textures in favor of a more nimble, integrated sound. This arrangement is a masterclass in ensemble voicing and dynamic control. Goodman employs his characteristic blend of tight, driving soli sections, particularly for the saxophones, which navigate intricate melodic passages with precision. The piece is largely through-composed, with the melody weaving between different sections of the band, creating a dynamic interplay rather than relying on extensive improvised solos. While there isn't a dedicated open solo section, brief, written-out soloistic flourishes are integrated into the fabric of the arrangement, often for the lead alto saxophone or clarinet, demanding excellent articulation and stylistic awareness. The technical challenges lie primarily in maintaining rhythmic precision across the ensemble, executing clean articulations, and achieving a unified, light swing feel at a brisk tempo. Performing this arrangement is immensely rewarding for bands seeking to explore the more sophisticated and less common corners of the big band canon. It demands a high level of musicianship and attention to detail, making it particularly suitable for advanced high school, college, community, and professional jazz ensembles. The intricate ensemble passages and the need for stylistic authenticity provide an excellent opportunity for developing blend, balance, and rhythmic cohesion, culminating in a polished and historically informed performance that will captivate audiences with its unique charm and elegance. "Dodging A Divorcee" requires a precise, medium-up swing feel with a consistent, driving pulse, ideally around quarter note = 180-190 bpm. Conductors should emphasize a light, articulate approach, particularly in the saxophone and clarinet sections, avoiding heavy accents. Key technical challenges include the rapid, interlocking melodic lines in the woodwinds, demanding excellent finger dexterity and breath support. Brass players must focus on clean attacks and releases, providing crisp punctuation without overpowering the delicate woodwind textures. There are no specific mute requirements beyond standard cup and straight mutes for brass. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to isolating difficult soli passages, ensuring rhythmic accuracy and unified articulation across sections. Pay close attention to dynamic contrasts, as the piece thrives on subtle shifts in intensity to maintain its whimsical character. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a standard 17-piece big band: Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Trumpet 3, Trumpet 4, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Trombone 3, Bass Trombone, Piano, Bass, Drums, and Guitar. Q: What is the difficulty level of "Dodging A Divorcee (B.Goodman)"? A: This arrangement is rated as Advanced (Grade 5). It demands strong technical proficiency, precise ensemble playing, and a nuanced understanding of the medium-swing style, making it suitable for advanced high school, college, community, and professional jazz ensembles. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this piece? A: "Dodging A Divorcee" is a sophisticated, medium-swing novelty piece from the pre-swing era (1935), originally composed by Reginald Foresythe. It showcases intricate compositional techniques and a refined, almost chamber-like approach to big band jazz, popularized by Benny Goodman. Q: What makes B.Goodman's arrangement of "Dodging A Divorcee" unique? A: B.Goodman's arrangement is distinguished by its meticulous voicings, prominent use of clarinets within the saxophone section, and intricate soli passages that demand exceptional ensemble precision. It captures the original's whimsical charm while adapting it for a classic big band sound. Q: What is the typical performance duration and tempo for this arrangement? A: The performance duration is approximately 3 minutes and 30 seconds. The piece is intended to be played at a medium-up swing tempo, ideally around quarter note = 180-190 bpm, maintaining a light and articulate feel throughout.