Fascinating Rhythm (from Lady Be Good) (arr. Ed Lojeski): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Lojeski captures the infectious syncopation and rhythmic snap of Gershwin's original while keeping the voicing lean and singable for developing choirs. The 2-part texture makes this accessible without sacrificing the jazz vocabulary that makes the piece fun to perform. Your singers will feel the energy of a legitimate jazz composition rather than a simplified imitation.

Gershwin's genius sits right here: a melody that bounces with infectious optimism while the harmony underneath keeps surprising you. The arrangement crackles with rhythmic vitality and that unmistakable 1920s energy that still feels fresh almost a century later. Singing this makes you feel like you've stepped into a jazz club, even if you're standing in a concert hall.

Any choir ready to explore American jazz standards with musicality and style. This works equally well for high school choirs seeking concert repertoire and college groups wanting a shorter, high-energy opener. The 2-part voicing keeps it accessible while the harmonic sophistication rewards thoughtful interpretation.

• Nail the rhythmic precision in the melody line; Gershwin's syncopation demands clarity and confidence, never rushing through the tied notes and off-beat figures.
• Balance the accompaniment part so it sits behind the melody without disappearing. This isn't a unison piece, and both lines carry equal musical weight.
• Articulation matters tremendously here. Work for crisp consonants and lightly bouncing rhythms that evoke the swing feel without turning this into a ballad.
• Lean into the jazz phrasing; this isn't Broadway belting. Coach your singers toward legit jazz tone with a touch of brightness in the upper range.

Program this as a palate cleanser between classical works or pair it with other Gershwin arrangements for a thematic set. Its relative brevity and high engagement factor make it ideal for spring concerts or jazz-themed programming. Many directors use it as a gateway piece to introduce jazz style to singers with classical backgrounds.

• Jazz articulation and swing phrasing
• Syncopated rhythm reading and execution
• Part independence in 2-part writing
• Harmonic listening and blend in jazz idioms
• Ensemble precision with syncopated entrances