My Romance (D.Barduhn)

Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart originally penned "My Romance" for the 1935 musical *Jumbo*, where it quickly transcended its theatrical origins to become one of the most enduring vehicles in the Great American Songbook. Over the decades, the composition was immortalized by jazz luminaries such as Chet Baker, Bill Evans, and Ella Fitzgerald, who transformed its charming Broadway innocence into a sophisticated vehicle for harmonic exploration and intimate ballad interpretation. The song's inherent melodic grace and flexible chord structure have made it a quintessential testing ground for jazz improvisers seeking to balance lyrical sensitivity with rich, extended harmonic movement. Dave Barduhn’s masterful big band adaptation reimagines this timeless classic as a lush, expressive ballad centered around a flowing, contemplative tempo and rich textural contrasts. Eschewing heavy-handed rhythmic gimmicks, Barduhn lets the inherent beauty of Rodgers' melody breathe while introducing sophisticated, contemporary harmonic voicings across the ensemble. The mood shifts seamlessly from delicate, exposed woodwind writing to sweeping, cinematic brass climaxes that evoke the classic West Coast cool jazz tradition. Rich chord extensions, subtle chromatic mediant shifts, and lush cluster voicings give the chart a mature, sophisticated sheen that elevates standard ballad playing into an emotionally resonant ensemble experience. The arrangement places a heavy emphasis on dynamic control and lyrical phrasing, with the lead alto saxophone and muted trumpets frequently carrying the primary thematic weight. A soaring, beautifully contoured horn soli serves as the emotional apex of the chart, demanding immaculate blend, intonation, and stylistic unity from the saxophone section. While there are strategic opportunities for featured improvised solos—allowing a mature soloist to stretch out over lush background figures—the true challenge lies in maintaining a consistent, forward-moving sense of time and micro-dynamics throughout the slower tempo. The rhythm section plays a pivotal role, utilizing sparse, supportive comping and a pulsing, heartbeat-like bass line to keep the ballad from feeling stagnant. Advanced high school ensembles with strong section players, as well as collegiate and professional jazz orchestras, will find this chart to be an exceptionally rewarding addition to their repertoire. It provides an ideal masterclass in ballad playing, forcing students and seasoned professionals alike to focus on tone production, blend, intonation, and restraint. Directors programming a concert that requires a sophisticated change of pace will discover that Barduhn's thoughtful pacing and gorgeous harmonic palette provide an unforgettable emotional anchor for the set. Conductors approaching Dave Barduhn’s setting of "My Romance" must prioritize balance, intonation, and patience above all else. The tempo should hover around a relaxed, flowing ballad feel; resist the temptation to drag, ensuring the underlying pulse remains active and conversational. The primary technical challenge for the brass section involves maintaining a warm, centered tone without forcing the sound during the upper-register ensemble swells. Saxophones must execute their lyrical lines with a seamless legato approach, matching vibrato widths across the entire section during exposed soli passages. Rhythm section players should treat their parts with utmost economy—pianists must voice the rich extensions cleanly without overcrowding the texture, while the bass player anchors the harmony with a deep, resonant, half-note or gentle walking feel. Rehearsal time is best spent isolating the dynamic swells and ensuring that the transition into and out of the solo section feels organic and unforced. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this big band publication? A: This complete 19-instrument arrangement includes parts for two alto saxophones, two tenor saxophones, baritone saxophone, four trumpets, four trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums, accompanied by a comprehensive 52-page conductor score. Q: What is the difficulty level of Dave Barduhn’s "My Romance" arrangement? A: This chart is graded as advanced, making it best suited for collegiate, advanced high school, and professional big bands that possess strong section blend and mature ballad-playing sensibilities. Q: What is the musical style and historical background of this piece? A: Written in the jazz ballad style, this arrangement builds upon the rich legacy of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart’s 1935 standard, filtering it through a sophisticated, contemporary big band arranging vocabulary. Q: What makes this specific arrangement by Dave Barduhn unique? A: Barduhn distinguishes his chart through lush, modern harmonic voicings, cinematic dynamic contrasts, and an exquisite saxophone soli that elevates a traditional vocal standard into an instrumental masterpiece. Q: What is the performance duration and tempo feel of the arrangement? A: The arrangement is performed at a slow, expressive ballad tempo with a flowing 4/4 feel, typically lasting between four and five minutes depending on the length of the improvised solos.