Not To Be Forgotten (B.Curnow)

"Not To Be Forgotten," originally composed by Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays, is a poignant and introspective ballad that first captivated audiences on Metheny's highly acclaimed 1992 album, "Secret Story". This piece hails from an era where Metheny masterfully blended jazz, rock, New Age, and world music elements, creating a distinctive soundscape that pushed the boundaries of contemporary jazz. While not a traditional jazz standard born from the Tin Pan Alley era, its profound melodic beauty, harmonic sophistication, and enduring appeal have cemented its place as a modern classic, frequently explored by contemporary jazz artists and ensembles. The original recording is characterized by its expansive, orchestral textures and deeply emotional narrative, making it a compelling candidate for big band interpretation. Bob Curnow's arrangement of "Not To Be Forgotten" for big band is a masterful transformation of Metheny's original vision, re-imagining its delicate nuances within the powerful framework of a large jazz ensemble. Curnow, renowned for his exceptional arrangements of Pat Metheny's and Lyle Mays' compositions, skillfully translates the piece's fusion sensibilities into a rich, acoustic big band setting, a technique he honed during his tenure with Stan Kenton. This particular arrangement is set as a medium-slow ballad, characterized by a rubato introduction that transitions into a gentle bossa nova feel, eventually evolving into a rock ballad groove before returning to the initial rubato. The key is not explicitly stated in the provided details, but Curnow's arrangements typically maintain the harmonic integrity of the originals while enhancing them with the orchestral colors of the big band. The mood is deeply emotional and pensive, evoking a sense of longing and reflection, while the dynamic shifts and textural contrasts build to moments of profound intensity. Curnow's distinctive arranging approach is evident throughout this 47-page score. He employs sophisticated voicings that maximize the big band's expressive range, often featuring rich, layered harmonies in the brass and saxophone sections. A notable aspect of this arrangement is the interweaving of Metheny's pensive melody "Tell Her You Saw Me," adding another layer of emotional depth and thematic continuity. The arrangement provides ample solo space, featuring improvisational opportunities for piano, tenor saxophone, and trombone, allowing individual voices to shine within the ensemble's tapestry. Technical challenges include precise control of dynamics and blend, especially in the delicate rubato sections, and navigating the rhythmic shifts between ballad, bossa, and rock ballad feels. The brass ranges are intentionally limited, making it accessible to a wider range of ensembles while still delivering significant emotional impact. This arrangement is particularly suitable for college, community, and advanced high school jazz ensembles seeking a challenging yet deeply rewarding piece that showcases musicality, sensitivity, and emotional depth. Professional bands will also find it an engaging and expressive addition to their repertoire. "Not To Be Forgotten" demands a nuanced and sensitive approach from both conductor and musicians. The primary technical challenge lies in maintaining the emotional integrity and dynamic control through its varied tempo feels: a rubato ballad opening, transitioning to a bossa nova, then a rock ballad, and finally returning to rubato. Conductors should guide the ensemble to embrace the fluidity of these transitions, ensuring seamless shifts in rhythmic feel and mood rather than abrupt changes. Emphasis on breath control and sustained phrasing is crucial for the brass and saxophone sections, particularly in the exposed ballad passages. The limited brass ranges contribute to its playability, but precision in attacks and releases, especially in softer dynamics, is key to achieving the desired warmth and blend. Soloists (piano, tenor saxophone, trombone) should be encouraged to interpret their parts with profound expression, drawing inspiration from the original's introspective nature. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to balancing the rich harmonic voicings and ensuring that the interweaving melody of "Tell Her You Saw Me" is clearly articulated without overpowering the main theme. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement? A: This big band arrangement is scored for 19 instruments, including Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1-4, Trombone 1-4, Piano, Guitar, Bass, and Drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of "Not To Be Forgotten (B.Curnow)"? A: This arrangement is rated Medium-Advanced, offering a rewarding challenge for college, community, and advanced high school jazz ensembles, as well as professional bands. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this piece? A: "Not To Be Forgotten" is a contemporary jazz ballad originally composed by Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays, featured on Metheny's 1992 album "Secret Story". Bob Curnow's arrangement transforms this modern classic into a big band setting, showcasing elements of fusion and orchestral jazz. Q: What makes Bob Curnow's arrangement of "Not To Be Forgotten" unique? A: Curnow's arrangement is distinctive for its sophisticated voicings, dynamic shifts between rubato, bossa nova, and rock ballad feels, and the clever interweaving of Pat Metheny's "Tell Her You Saw Me" melody, creating a deeply emotional and textured big band experience. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo of this arrangement? A: While the exact duration can vary with interpretation, this medium-slow ballad transitions through rubato, bossa nova, and rock ballad feels, allowing for expressive pacing and emotional depth.