Do It The Hard Way (from Pal Joey): SSA Choral Octavo

Paris Rutherford's arrangement captures the urbane, slightly cynical charm of Hart and Rodgers' original without requiring a large ensemble or complex orchestration. The SSA voicing keeps the piece accessible while the jazz inflections and clever harmonic language keep it musically substantial. This is the kind of standard that reminds singers why Broadway music deserves a place in your concert programming.

Sophisticated and slightly world-weary, with an undercurrent of humor that doesn't undercut the genuine emotion. The piece has the polish of a nightclub standard, the kind of song that sounds effortless when done well and reveals its craft only under close inspection. There's a confidence in the music that invites your singers to embody a character with some depth.

Choirs at the high school and college level with at least some experience navigating jazz standards and Broadway repertoire. You'll need singers who can handle rhythmic independence and aren't intimidated by the cultural references embedded in Hart's lyrics. This works equally well for concert choirs looking to expand beyond classical repertoire and jazz ensembles wanting to include vocal arrangements.

• Treat the rhythmic syncopations as part of the character work, not technical obstacles. The swagger of this tune comes from a relaxed but precise handling of the swing feel.
• Pay attention to Hart's text. Every phrase lands differently because the lyrics demand it. Work for clarity of diction without sacrificing legit tone.
• Balance the humor with musicality. The cynical attitude of the lyric can tip into sarcasm if you're not careful. The best performances find the genuine emotion underneath the wit.
• Let the accompaniment breathe. This arrangement likely includes jazz voicings that need space to land properly. Resist over-singing the harmony parts.

Pair this with other mid-century standards or contemporary jazz arrangements to anchor a pops or Broadway-focused concert. The 11-page score suggests it can anchor a set without overwhelming other repertoire. It's also an excellent choice for showcasing chamber singing within a larger concert format.

• Swing rhythm and jazz articulation
• Lyrical interpretation and character development
• Independent rhythmic thinking in harmonic context
• Diction clarity with legit tone quality
• Stylistic awareness of Broadway and jazz idioms