Extraordinary (from Pippin): Piano Vocal

Schwartz has a remarkable ability to write songs that feel intimate even when performed by young singers. This piece captures that quality perfectly, with a melody that sits naturally in the voice while the accompaniment provides enough sophistication to keep pianists engaged. The emotional arc of the song gives performers genuine material to work with rather than empty vocal gymnastics.

The song radiates quiet wonder and vulnerability. It captures a moment of self-discovery tinged with uncertainty, inviting performers to inhabit a character grappling with identity and possibility. The accompaniment complements rather than overwhelms, creating space for the singer's voice and interpretation to breathe.

Solo singers preparing audition material, voice students exploring contemporary musical theater repertoire, and performers seeking a song with genuine emotional substance. Teachers will find this particularly useful for students who respond well to material grounded in character and story rather than virtuosity for its own sake.

• Shape the melody with legato phrasing through the verse sections; Schwartz's lines are designed for breath and flow rather than clipped articulation.
• Balance the vocal line against the piano part by resisting the urge to oversing. The accompaniment often carries harmonic and emotional weight, and the voice benefits from restraint.
• Pay attention to Schwartz's lyrical rhythm. The prosody is purposefully crafted, so honor the text's natural inflection rather than forcing it into square rhythmic patterns.
• Use dynamic contrast sparingly but meaningfully. A single well-placed moment of softness or intensity will land harder than consistent pushing throughout.

Feature this as a solo moment in a musical theater recital or revue, where its introspective quality provides necessary contrast to higher-energy material. It also works beautifully in audition preparation classes or as part of a contemporary song collection for advanced choir programs exploring non-classical repertoire.

• Sustaining vocal line through phrase changes without sacrificing legit tone
• Responding to accompaniment texture and harmonic rhythm rather than singing independently
• Interpreting and executing lyrical prosody in contemporary musical theater writing
• Building character motivation and emotional arc within a single song form