I Concentrate On You (A.Gould)

Cole Porter's "I Concentrate On You," composed for the 1940 film *Broadway Melody of 1940*, stands as a timeless jewel within the Great American Songbook. Introduced cinematically by Douglas McPhail, the song quickly transcended its silver screen origins, charting twice in 1940 with renditions by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Eddy Duchin and His Orchestra. Its enduring appeal lies in Porter's masterful blend of melodic verve, sophisticated harmonic movement, and tender lyricism, which speaks to finding solace and strength in the thought of a loved one amidst life's challenges. Unlike some of Porter's more overtly witty compositions, "I Concentrate On You" showcases his romantic side, employing a unique 64-bar structure where each successive A section subtly evolves, creating a compelling narrative arc that has cemented its status as a beloved jazz standard. It has been famously interpreted by a pantheon of jazz and pop luminaries, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Fred Astaire, Dinah Washington, and more recently, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, underscoring its versatility and lasting relevance. This big band arrangement by A.Gould reimagines Porter's classic as a medium-swing tour de force, set primarily in a bright, yet elegant, concert key that allows the full breadth of the 17-instrument ensemble to shine. The musical character is one of sophisticated energy, evoking a classic big band sound with modern sensibilities. The arrangement maintains the song's inherent romantic mood while infusing it with a dynamic, swinging drive. Gould’s approach emphasizes rich, layered voicings across the saxophone, trumpet, and trombone sections, creating a lush harmonic tapestry that both supports and propels the melody. Expect moments of intricate counterpoint and harmonically adventurous passages that pay homage to the original's sophistication while offering fresh interpretative depth. A.Gould's distinctive arranging style typically blends a deep respect for jazz tradition with a contemporary flair, often characterized by inventive ensemble writing and thoughtful solo features. In this arrangement, the melody is expertly passed between various sections, ensuring engagement across the band. The lead alto saxophone often carries the primary melodic statements, providing opportunities for expressive phrasing. There are featured solo sections, offering improvisational space for key voices within the ensemble, likely including tenor saxophone and trumpet, allowing for individual expression within the collective swing. The technical challenges lie in achieving precise ensemble blend and balance, navigating the nuanced harmonic changes, and executing the swinging rhythmic figures with unified articulation. The reward for performers is a deeply satisfying musical experience, culminating in a powerful shout chorus that builds to an exhilarating climax, showcasing the full power and precision of a well-rehearsed big band. This arrangement is ideally suited for advanced high school, college, community, and professional big bands seeking a challenging yet highly rewarding addition to their repertoire. Its blend of classic appeal and contemporary arranging makes it a superb vehicle for demonstrating musicality, technical prowess, and a cohesive ensemble sound. This arrangement of "I Concentrate On You" thrives on a consistent, buoyant medium-swing feel from the outset. Conductors should emphasize a relaxed, yet driving, rhythmic pulse, ensuring the rhythm section lays down a solid foundation without rushing. Key technical challenges include precise articulation in the horn sections, particularly in the intricate soli passages where clarity and blend are paramount. Encourage saxophones to maintain a warm, full tone, while trumpets should aim for brilliance without harshness, especially in the upper register. Trombones need to articulate cleanly and blend seamlessly within their section and with the other brass. Dynamic contrasts are crucial; guide the band through crescendos and decrescendos to enhance the emotional arc of the piece, particularly leading into and out of the shout chorus. The featured soloists should be encouraged to improvise with melodic invention, drawing inspiration from the original's romantic essence and the arrangement's swinging energy. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to balancing the dense voicings and ensuring all inner lines are heard, contributing to the overall harmonic richness. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement? A: This big band arrangement is scored for 17 instruments, including 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, Trombone 4, Piano, Bass, Drums, and Guitar. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is considered advanced, suitable for college, community, and professional big bands due to its intricate voicings, dynamic demands, and required improvisational skill for featured soloists. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "I Concentrate On You"? A: "I Concentrate On You" is a classic jazz standard composed by Cole Porter for the 1940 film *Broadway Melody of 1940*. It embodies the sophisticated, romantic style of the Great American Songbook era, presented here in a medium-swing big band setting. Q: What makes A.Gould's arrangement of "I Concentrate On You" unique? A: A.Gould's arrangement is distinguished by its rich, layered voicings, inventive ensemble writing, and dynamic use of the full 17-instrument big band. It features sophisticated harmonic treatments and provides engaging melodic and improvisational opportunities for various sections and soloists, culminating in a powerful shout chorus. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo of this piece? A: The approximate performance duration for this arrangement is typically between 4 to 5 minutes, performed at a medium-swing tempo, allowing for both the melodic statements and featured improvisations to unfold naturally.