Cornet Man (from "Funny Girl"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

Styne's melodies are instantly singable yet harmonically sophisticated, and this collection captures the infectious energy and emotional depth that made "Funny Girl" a Broadway touchstone. The arrangements in this updated edition honor the famous original cast recordings, so singers will recognize the versions they know and audiences will hear the songs the way they want to. From the showstopping belt of "Don't Rain on My Parade" to the tender vulnerability of "People," the score offers genuine variety in style and vocal demand.

The score pulses with the glamour and humor of Ziegfeld's heyday while staying rooted in genuine emotion. "Cornet Man" and "Sadie, Sadie" have a playful vaudeville spirit, while "People" and "You Are Woman, I Am Man" deliver the kind of soaring lyricism that makes musical theater audiences believe in the story. Throughout, there's a sense of celebration, ambition, and the bittersweet reality of chasing dreams.

This folio serves singers preparing auditions or recitals featuring Broadway repertoire, pianists accompanying musical theater students or community productions, and music teachers building a strong collection of accessible yet substantial American musical theater literature. The mix of comedy songs, ballads, and one showstopper makes it a practical resource for varied performance needs.

• Balance the vocals prominently over the piano part in intimate moments like "People" and "The Music That Makes Me Dance," where Styne's gift for melodic simplicity deserves space to breathe.
• Use the chord symbols to explore jazz interpretations of accompaniment figures, especially in "Cornet Man," where rhythmic flexibility can enhance the character and style.
• Mark the dramatic shifts between comedic and sincere material ("I'm the Greatest Star" versus "His Love Makes Me Beautiful"), and adjust your vocal color and piano touch accordingly to show the contrast.
• Practice the rhythm patterns in "Don't Rain on My Parade" separately from the melody so your playing doesn't drag the forward momentum that makes the song a showstopper.

Program individual selections as recital material for intermediate and advanced singers studying musical theater vocal technique. Excerpts work well in educational concerts exploring American songwriting, or use multiple songs from the collection in a "Broadway Classics" cabaret-style performance. Teachers can assign songs to students based on voice type and dramatic capability, using the full range available in this folio.

• Interpreting character and emotional intention through melody and text
• Reading and realizing chord symbols in accompaniment
• Balancing legit and comedic vocal styles within a single song cycle
• Managing dynamic range from intimate storytelling to belt-driven showstopping
• Coordinating with an accompanist through rhythmic variety and dramatic pacing