Edition: Jazz Studio Orchestra Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Bossa Nova - Medium

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

One of Antonio Carlos Jobim's most challenging compositions to perform, this particular arrangement was written by Nelson Riddle for Jobim's 1965 album "The Wonderful World of Antonio Carlos Jobim." It does an excellent job of showcasing a softer, lusher side of Riddle's arranging style not often seen on his collaborations with Frank Sinatra.

The arrangement begins with a rubato duet between the vocalist and guitarist. The pacing should not feel rushed or hurried, but should also be careful not to laze along too much either. On the original recording, this vocal-guitar duet continues until measure 15, where a relaxed bossa nova feel kicks in and the rest of the ensemble minus drums enters. In the original parts, the flutes and strings have written figures beginning at measure 9 that did not make the cut for the final recording, but we have included these measures in order to give you the option of performing them. The midi sound sample has these measures included so you can hear what they were intended to sound like.

The rest of the arrangement features some wonderfully warm background textures in the winds and strings accompanying the unforgettably lovely melody. Dynamic levels should be almost completely kept to a medium-soft level at the most; only some occasional swells in the strings should exceed this intensity. The gentle tempo continues through the end of the arrangement, where a brief bass flute solo sets up the ending flourish in the C flutes. This flourish can be taken somewhat rubato, but should be fairly brisk in speed.

This arrangement is written for studio orchestra with vocal soloist. This is not a transcription - it has been prepared from the original set of parts used during the recording session.

Full Score
Vocal
3 C Flutes (Flute 1 doubles on Bass Flute)
3 Horns in F
2 Trombones
Violin I (3)
Violin II (3)
Violin III (3)
Viola (4)
Cello (4)
Harp
Guitar
Piano (optional)
Bass
Drums