This Masquerade (B.Myagkov)

Leon Russell's "This Masquerade," originally released in 1972 on his album *Carney*, transcended its rock and pop origins to become a quintessential jazz standard. While Russell's soulful, piano-driven rendition laid the groundwork, it was George Benson's iconic 1976 Grammy-winning interpretation from *Breezin'* that cemented its place in the jazz lexicon. Benson's smooth vocal delivery and virtuosic guitar solo introduced the song to a wider audience, establishing it as a benchmark for sophisticated, romantic balladry. The piece itself, characterized by its melancholic yet tender melody and rich harmonic progression, evokes a sense of introspective longing and emotional depth, making it a timeless choice for jazz musicians exploring themes of love, illusion, and vulnerability. Its enduring popularity lies in its ability to be reinterpreted across various jazz subgenres while retaining its core emotional resonance. Boris Myagkov's big band arrangement of "This Masquerade" masterfully re-imagines this classic as a captivating Rumba, transforming its inherent introspection into a vibrant, yet still deeply expressive, Latin groove. Set in a comfortable medium tempo, Myagkov maintains the original's poignant key of A minor, allowing the familiar melodic contours to bloom within a fresh rhythmic framework. The arrangement opens with a delicate, understated piano introduction, immediately establishing the Rumba feel before the full ensemble enters with a lush, harmonically rich statement of the main theme. Myagkov's signature is evident in his sophisticated voicings, particularly in the saxophone section soli passages, which are meticulously crafted to provide both warmth and clarity. The brass writing is equally impressive, offering nuanced support and occasional bursts of color without overpowering the overall texture. The arrangement features the melody gracefully passed between sections, beginning with the lead alto saxophone, then transitioning to a full saxophone section soli, and later to the trumpet section, showcasing the dynamic capabilities of the full big band. A significant highlight is the extended improvisation section, offering ample space for a featured soloist – traditionally a tenor saxophone or trumpet – to explore the rich harmonic changes. Myagkov provides thoughtfully constructed background figures during the solo, ensuring continuous musical interest and support. The arrangement builds to a powerful yet controlled shout chorus, demonstrating the ensemble's collective strength before returning to a more subdued, reflective statement of the theme, culminating in a gentle, atmospheric outro that leaves a lasting impression. This arrangement is an excellent choice for college and advanced community big bands, as well as professional ensembles seeking a fresh, engaging take on a beloved standard. While the Rumba feel requires rhythmic precision and sensitivity from the rhythm section, the melodic lines and harmonic structures are accessible, allowing musicians to focus on expression and ensemble blend. The technical demands are moderate, with a strong emphasis on lyrical phrasing, dynamic control, and a cohesive Latin groove. Performing "This Masquerade (B.Myagkov)" offers the rewarding experience of breathing new life into a classic, challenging musicians to explore rhythmic nuance while delivering a performance rich in emotional depth and stylistic authenticity. Conductors should emphasize a consistent, relaxed Rumba feel from the rhythm section, ensuring the bass and drums establish a solid foundation without rushing. The piano introduction sets the initial mood; encourage a lyrical, unhurried approach. Articulation in the saxophone soli sections should be precise yet legato, fostering a warm, blended sound. Brass players should focus on dynamic control, particularly in background figures, to support soloists and melody carriers without overblowing. The featured solo section, typically for tenor saxophone or trumpet, requires a player comfortable navigating complex harmonies over a Latin groove. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to balancing the shout chorus for maximum impact and clarity, ensuring all lines are heard. Pay close attention to the dynamic shifts throughout the piece, particularly the gradual build and the return to a softer, reflective mood in the outro. Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a standard 17-piece big band, including Alto Saxophone 1 & 2, Tenor Saxophone 1 & 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1-4, Trombone 1-4, Piano, Bass, Guitar, and Drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of "This Masquerade (B.Myagkov)"? A: This arrangement is rated as medium-advanced, suitable for college, advanced community, and professional big bands. It requires solid rhythmic precision, good ensemble blend, and lyrical phrasing. Q: What musical style and historical context does this arrangement represent? A: This is a big band Rumba arrangement of Leon Russell's "This Masquerade," a jazz standard popularized by George Benson in 1976. It reimagines the original's introspective ballad feel with a vibrant Latin groove. Q: What makes Boris Myagkov's arrangement of "This Masquerade" unique? A: Myagkov's arrangement stands out for its transformation of the original into a captivating Rumba, featuring sophisticated voicings, dynamic sectional interplay, and a well-crafted solo section with thoughtful background figures. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo of this piece? A: The approximate performance duration is 5-6 minutes, depending on the length of the improvised solo. It is set at a comfortable medium Rumba tempo, around 120-130 BPM.