Temptation (A.Shaw)

Originally penned by Nacio Herb Brown with lyrics by Arthur Freed for the 1933 musical film *Going Hollywood*, "Temptation" found its true immortality when clarinet virtuoso Artie Shaw transformed the melodramatic ballad into an exotic, rhythmically charged masterwork for his Gramercy Five and big band ensembles. Shaw’s iconic treatment shifted the song from Hollywood schmaltz into a sultry, Latin-tinged jazz standard that defined the sophisticated edge of the late Swing Era. By infusing the arrangement with an alluring habanera-esque pulse and a dark, mysterious harmonic undercurrent, Shaw created a blueprint for integrating exotic global textures into traditional big band orchestration. Dripping with atmospheric tension and cinematic suspense, this chart operates at a steady, smoldering medium tempo with a driving, percussion-forward Latin-swing groove. Written in a minor key that emphasizes brooding diminished harmonies and serpentine chromatic lines, the mood is equal parts hypnotic and electrifying. The arrangement opens with an instantly recognizable vamp that builds immediate intrigue, eventually giving way to lush, dense woodwind and brass voicings that evoke a smoke-filled, pre-war Manhattan supper club. The emotional trajectory moves from quiet, seductive restraint in the opening sections to a roaring, high-energy climax that showcases the full dynamic spectrum of a 15-piece jazz orchestra. At the heart of this transcription is Artie Shaw’s distinctively cerebral yet swinging compositional voice, which heavily prioritizes clarinet and saxophone textures over standard brass-heavy shouts. The chart features a prominent Clarinet/Alto Saxophone solo vehicle that demands absolute technical fluency, agile register leaps, and a deeply expressive, blues-inflected tone. Shaw’s signature arranging style shines through in the intricate counterpoint between the reeds and brass, utilizing tight, interlocking voicings and descending chromatic lines that mimic the fluidity of a classical chamber ensemble while maintaining a hard-swinging pulse. The ensemble writing avoids predictable block-chord phrasing, instead treating sections as independent, conversational units that weave fluidly around the soloist. Carrying a total length of 38 pages across its 15-instrument configuration, this arrangement places significant demands on the reed section, which must double with precision and execute lightning-fast scalar passages in unison. The lead trumpet and trombone sections must handle sustained upper-register tension and subtle dynamic shading without ever forcing the tone, preserving the sultry atmosphere essential to the style. While rhythmically accessible for players well-versed in mid-century swing and Latin-jazz crossover styles, the subtle phrasing nuances and expressive rubato moments require mature musicality. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional big bands will find this arrangement an exceptional centerpiece for concert programming. It offers a sophisticated departure from standard straight-ahead flagwavers, providing audiences with a heavy dose of nostalgia while challenging the ensemble to balance technical precision with smoldering, theatrical flair. Unlocking the authentic flavor of this arrangement requires strict adherence to the underlying Latin-swing hybrid groove. The percussion and bass must lock into a crisp, unyielding pulse that avoids rushing, even during the dynamic swells of the ensemble passages. The primary technical challenge lies within the woodwind section; the intricate scalar lines must be articulated with absolute clarity, avoiding muddy tonguing in fast passages. Conductors should pay close attention to the dynamic markings, ensuring the ensemble maintains a controlled, mysterious undercurrent during the head so that the featured soloist can soar effortlessly on top without overblowing. Brass players should utilize warm, rounded tones with minimal vibrato in the background pads to preserve the cool, sophisticated atmosphere characteristic of Artie Shaw’s classic recordings. Rehearsals should initially focus on sectional balance, specifically isolating the counter-melodies in the inner-voice reeds to ensure they match the rhythmic intensity of the brass punches. Q: What specific instruments and parts are included in this 15-instrument arrangement? A: The instrumentation features a 15-part configuration optimized for a classic big band layout, specifically highlighting a Clarinet / Alto Sax Solo, Alto Sax I, Alto Sax III, Tenor Sax II, Tenor Sax IV, alongside standard brass and rhythm section parts spanning a 38-page score. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This chart is best suited for advanced high school, collegiate, and professional big bands due to its intricate reed counterpoint, sustained upper-register demands, and the technical fluency required for the featured solo. Q: What is the historical style and musical context of this piece? A: Originally a 1933 Nacio Herb Brown film tune, this arrangement captures Artie Shaw’s iconic late Swing Era style, blending a sultry Latin-infused groove with sophisticated, minor-key jazz harmonies. Q: What makes this specific arrangement unique compared to standard big band charts? A: Unlike brass-heavy flagwavers, this chart emphasizes intricate clarinet and saxophone interplay, dense chromatic voicings, and an exotic, cinematic tension that departs from traditional blues and standard swing forms. Q: What is the performance duration and tempo feel of the piece? A: The arrangement is set at a steady, smoldering medium tempo with a driving Latin-swing feel, typically clocking in around three to four minutes depending on the length of the improvised solo sections.