These Foolish Things (A.Shaw)

Penned in 1935 by Jack Strachey, "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)" quickly ascended to become one of the most enduring and beloved jazz standards. Its melancholic yet romantic lyricism, combined with a timeless melody, captivated audiences during the Swing Era and has remained a staple in the jazz repertoire ever since. The song's evocative imagery and universal theme of lost love resonate deeply, making it a favorite for vocalists and instrumentalists alike. While many artists have put their stamp on it, Artie Shaw's orchestral interpretations, particularly his 1938 recording with his Gramercy Five, helped cement its status as a jazz classic, showcasing his innovative arranging and clarinet virtuosity. This particular big band arrangement, attributed to Artie Shaw himself, presents "These Foolish Things" as a sophisticated and elegant medium swing ballad. Set primarily in the key of C Major, the arrangement maintains a tender, reflective mood throughout, characterized by lush harmonic voicings and a flowing, legato feel. The energy is one of understated passion, building subtly through carefully crafted ensemble sections. Shaw's signature arranging style is evident in the seamless transitions between instrumental colors and the intelligent use of dynamics to shape the narrative arc of the piece. The overall character is one of classic Swing Era romanticism, perfect for evoking a sense of nostalgic beauty. Artie Shaw's approach to this standard is marked by his characteristic blend of melodic clarity and harmonic richness. The arrangement features intricate saxophone soli passages that weave counter-melodies around the main theme, showcasing the section's blend and precision. Brass voicings are warm and supportive, often employing cup mutes for a softer, more intimate texture in the initial statements. While there isn't a dedicated "shout chorus" in the traditional sense, the arrangement builds to a powerful, yet controlled, ensemble climax before returning to a more subdued closing. The melody is predominantly carried by the lead alto saxophone initially, then shared and developed across the full saxophone section, with subtle brass interjections. A featured improvised solo, typically for clarinet or tenor saxophone, provides an opportunity for expressive improvisation over the rich harmonic progression. Performing this arrangement is a rewarding experience for a big band that values musicality and nuanced expression. Technical challenges include maintaining a consistent, relaxed medium swing feel, achieving precise ensemble blend and balance in the saxophone soli sections, and executing the dynamic swells and fades with sensitivity. The lead trumpet range extends to a high C, but the overall brass demands are more focused on tone and control than extreme range. This arrangement is ideally suited for advanced high school, college, community, and professional jazz ensembles looking to showcase their interpretive skills and appreciation for classic Swing Era repertoire. Its timeless appeal and sophisticated scoring make it a valuable addition to any band's library. Conductors should emphasize a relaxed, flowing medium swing feel, ensuring the rhythm section maintains a steady, yet unhurried, pulse. The opening tempo should be around quarter note = 100-110 BPM. Pay close attention to dynamic markings, particularly the subtle crescendos and decrescendos, which are crucial for shaping the emotional arc. Saxophone sections require meticulous rehearsal to achieve the smooth, blended sound characteristic of Shaw's voicings, focusing on intonation and unified articulation, especially in the soli passages. Brass players should prioritize warm, controlled tones, utilizing cup mutes as indicated for a softer, more intimate texture. The improvised solo should be encouraged to be lyrical and expressive, fitting the ballad's mood. Ensure the ensemble listens across sections to maintain balance and allow the melodic lines to project clearly. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement? A: This big band arrangement is scored for 17 instruments: 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 "These Foolish Things (A.Shaw)"? A: This arrangement is rated as advanced high school to professional level. It requires strong ensemble blend, precise articulation, good dynamic control, and an understanding of medium swing ballad interpretation. Q: What style and historical context does this arrangement represent? A: This arrangement embodies the classic Swing Era big band style, specifically reflecting Artie Shaw's sophisticated approach to jazz standards from the late 1930s. It's a quintessential jazz ballad. Q: What makes Artie Shaw's arrangement of "These Foolish Things" unique? A: Shaw's arrangement is distinguished by its lush saxophone soli voicings, elegant melodic treatment, sophisticated harmonic progressions, and a focus on nuanced dynamics and instrumental color, creating a deeply romantic and reflective mood. Q: What is the typical performance duration and tempo for this piece? A: The typical performance duration for this arrangement is approximately 3-4 minutes. It should be performed at a medium swing ballad tempo, generally around quarter note = 100-110 BPM.