Jazz at Lincoln Center: Essentially Ellington Sheet Music

David Berger's transcriptions form the core of this collection, drawn from his decades of work documenting the Ellington sound. His arrangements balance historical authenticity with practical pedagogy, making them favorites for directors preparing students for the Essentially Ellington Competition and Festival.

David Berger is recognized internationally as a leading authority on Duke Ellington and the Swing Era. As conductor and arranger for the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra from 1988 through 1994, he transcribed more than 700 full scores of classic recordings, including nearly 500 works by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. His deep knowledge of the idiom is embedded in every arrangement here.

Duke Ellington's own compositions form the foundation of this collection. The pieces you'll work with represent some of the most important jazz writing in American music, and Ellington's harmonic innovations continue to challenge and inspire student musicians.