Begin The Beguine: Lead Sheet
Music and lyrics by Cole Porter
Item: 00-PSL-000271
$4.99
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Description
The motion picture De-Lovely, an original musical portrait of American composer Cole Porter, is filled with Porter's own unforgettable songs, and stars some of the biggest names in film and music, including Kevin Kline, Ashley Judd, Natalie Cole, Sheryl Crow, and Robbie Williams. Our spectacular folio is sure to be a collector's item, including songs performed in the film along with an elaborate section featuring six panels of color artwork that includes a gate-fold display featuring an array of artist and actor photos on a three-page spread. The book is printed on an antique ivory stock reminiscent of the quality publications available during Porter's lifetime. Titles are: It's De-Lovely * Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye * Just One of Those Things * Be a Clown * Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love * Begin the Beguine * Anything Goes * I Love You * So in Love * True Love * Love for Sale * What Is This Thing Called Love * Easy to Love * Night and Day * Let's Misbehave * Blow, Gabriel, Blow * In the Still of the Night * You're the Top.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Alfred Music
SKU:
00-PSL-000271
More about this title
About the Artist: Cole Porter
Cole Porter (1891-1964) was one of America's most sophisticated songwriters, known for witty lyrics, urbane melodies, and an instinct for what makes a song theatrically unforgettable. His career spanned five decades and multiple Broadway hits; his songs have become standards in jazz, cabaret, and musical theater repertoires worldwide. Porter's influence on American popular song remains immense, and his work continues to reward both performers and audiences with intelligence, charm, and musical craftsmanship.
Why we love this
This lead sheet captures one of Porter's most rhythmically sophisticated standards, complete with the harmonic complexity and chromaticism that make his melodies so satisfying to learn and perform. The changeable meter and syncopated phrasing demand musicianship from pianists and singers alike, offering real pedagogical value beyond mere repertoire coverage. Programming Porter alongside other American standards gives students access to a cornerstone of the jazz and musical theater canon.
What to expect
Sophisticated, rhythmically playful, and harmonically rich, this piece embodies the elegance and wit of 1930s-40s American songwriting. There's an undercurrent of romance and mischief that keeps performers engaged through both the harmonic complexity and the lyrical storytelling.
Who it's for
Pianists and singers preparing jazz standards, musical theater repertoire, or recital programs will find this lead sheet essential. It suits intermediate to advanced players who can navigate chromatic harmony and syncopated rhythms with stylistic confidence.
How to get the most out of it
- Pay close attention to Porter's syncopated rhythms and chromatic voice leading; they're deliberate compositional choices that shape the song's character, not ornaments to simplify.
- Balance the written melody against the harmonic sophistication beneath it; let chord changes inform your phrasing and dynamic shape.
- For vocalists, the lyrical precision and diction matter enormously. Porter's wit lives in the words, so clarity serves both the music and the meaning.
How to use it
Pair this with other Porter standards to build a themed concert around American song craft, or use it as a bridge piece connecting classical music study to jazz and musical theater contexts. It's equally at home in a recital setting or as part of a broader exploration of the American songbook.
Skills your students will build
- Reading lead sheet notation and realizing chord changes
- Navigating chromatic harmony and voice leading
- Coordinating syncopated rhythms across melody and accompaniment
- Interpreting and phrasing jazz and theater standards with stylistic awareness