Gershwin® by Special Arrangement: Piano Acc. (Instrumental) Book

Carl Strommen's arrangements preserve the sophistication and character of these iconic standards while removing the intimidation factor of improvisation. Pianists get to play authentic Gershwin idioms with stylistic integrity, making this collection equally valuable in jazz ensembles, chamber recitals, or solo performance contexts where singers or other instrumentalists are featured.

These arrangements capture the sophisticated swagger and irresistible melodic appeal that made Gershwin's songs endure. You'll feel the rhythmic propulsion of the jazz idiom beneath your fingers while the harmonic richness reminds you that this is serious music with a smile.

Intermediate pianists who want to expand into jazz and popular song without devoting years to improvisation study. This book serves studio teachers working with students ready for stylistic variety, jazz ensemble pianists needing composed charts alongside improvised material, and pianists backing vocalists or horn players in small group settings.

• Pay attention to the swing feel indicated in each piece; the difference between straight eighths and swung eighths defines the groove and separates jazz style from classical interpretation.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to lock in with ensemble partners, but listen actively rather than playing along mechanically; let the other musicians' phrasing guide your rubato and articulation.
• Approach the 'variation' sections as opportunities to inhabit the jazz idiom rather than technical challenges; these passages are written to sit comfortably under the fingers while sounding idiomatic.
• Voice the left-hand chord clusters distinctly; Gershwin's harmonic language rewards clarity, and muddy voicings will obscure the sophistication of his progressions.

Program individual selections as accompaniment to vocalist or instrumentalist soloists in recitals or concert settings. Use the collection to anchor a jazz standards program with your ensemble, or assign pieces throughout the year as supplementary material for intermediate pianists exploring twentieth-century popular composition and jazz style.

• Swing eighth-note feel and jazz rhythmic interpretation
• Voice leading through chromatic harmonic progressions
• Comping and accompaniment style appropriate to jazz standards
• Navigating verse-chorus and AABA song forms
• Stylistic authenticity in popular song arranged for concert performance