What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life (M.Legrand)

Composed by the legendary Michel Legrand with evocative lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" first captivated audiences in the 1969 film *The Happy Ending*, subsequently earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. It quickly transcended its cinematic origins to become a cherished vehicle in the modern jazz canon, interpreted by vocal and instrumental luminaries alike, including Bill Evans, Sarah Vaughan, and Wes Montgomery. The composition is celebrated for its sweeping, modal harmonic shifts, cyclical melodic development, and an overarching sense of cinematic yearning that blurs the line between traditional American songform and sophisticated European impressionism. Conceived as a deeply expressive, lushly textured ballad, this big band interpretation leans into the dramatic, expansive emotional landscape that defines Legrand's writing. The chart moves with a rubato-leaning, contemplative rubato-to-ballad pulse in 4/4 time, anchored by a rich harmonic vocabulary featuring extended tertian harmonies, chromatic mediant relationships, and dense modal colorations. The mood shifts masterfully from introspective fragility to towering, brass-heavy climaxes, evoking a profound sense of romance, suspense, and existential reflection. It demands absolute dynamic control and emotional maturity from the entire ensemble, avoiding sentimentality in favor of genuine dramatic weight. Legrand’s self-arranging approach on this chart showcases his signature mastery of orchestral color, utilizing unconventional woodwind doublings, highly sophisticated sax soli writing, and thick, lush brass voicings that recall his cinematic orchestrations. Rather than relying on a standard swing groove, the arrangement treats the big band like a modern chamber orchestra. The saxophones weave intricate, counter-melodic lines beneath the brass, while dynamic swells and unexpected modulation points keep both the performers and listeners on edge. The arrangement builds organically toward a breathtaking shout chorus that expands the harmonic tension before dissolving back into a quiet, hauntingly suspended resolution. Carrying the emotional core of the piece, the lead alto saxophone and flugelhorn/trumpet sections trade poignant melodic statements, supported by a rhythm section that must balance delicate rubato textures with precise timekeeping. Featured solo space is provided for a strong tenor saxophone or piano soloist, who must navigate a harmonically demanding backdrop that requires a lyrical, chord-conscious approach rather than fast-line execution. Technical challenges center primarily on intonation across extreme dynamic ranges, maintaining breath support during long, sustained chord clusters, and executing precise ensemble phrasing at whisper-soft volumes. Advanced college ensembles, top-tier high school jazz bands, and professional repertory orchestras will find this chart an exceptional centerpiece for a concert program. Its demands on blend, balance, and stylistic sensitivity make it an invaluable educational tool for teaching advanced harmonic awareness and cinematic phrasing, while offering professional groups a sophisticated, emotionally arresting showcase piece. Success with this arrangement hinges on the ensemble's ability to maintain unwavering intonation and rich tone quality at extreme dynamic extremes, particularly during soft, exposed passages. The conductor should establish a flexible, breathing tempo feel, avoiding a rigid metronomic pulse during the ballad sections while ensuring the rhythm section maintains a subtle, forward-moving momentum. Pay close attention to the balance of the inner voices in the saxophone and trombone sections; the dense, cluster-heavy voicings require careful ear-training so that no single voice unintentionally sticks out. The brass should approach muted sections with a warm, round sound rather than an aggressive edge, saving their full power for the climactic shout chorus. Rehearsals should initially isolate the rhythm section to lock in the rubato-to-tempo transitions, ensuring the soloist feels fully supported by a fluid, responsive accompaniment. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This 19-page big band chart is scored for a standard 17-instrument ensemble, featuring Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, and Baritone Saxophone, alongside standard brass and rhythm sections. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, making it best suited for collegiate, professional, or advanced high school big bands with strong section players and mature lead performers. Q: What is the musical style and historical background of the piece? A: It is a sophisticated jazz ballad adapted from Michel Legrand’s Oscar-nominated 1969 film theme, representing the pinnacle of cinematic jazz writing with lush, impressionistic harmonies. Q: What makes this specific arrangement unique? A: Authored by the composer himself, it treats the big band like a cinematic chamber orchestra, utilizing dense modal voicings, intricate woodwind textures, and a dramatic structural arc rather than a standard swing groove. Q: What is the typical performance duration and tempo feel? A: The arrangement functions primarily as a sweeping, expressive ballad with a flexible, breathing tempo feel, generally running between 4 to 6 minutes depending on the pacing of the featured solo and rubato sections.