How Insensitive (Insensatez): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Astrud Gilberto / Arranged by Paul Murtha
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK00419873
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Description
This beautiful bossa nova melody by Antonio Carlos Jobim has become a familiar standard recording by countless jazz artists. Paul's arrangement features smooth and tasteful scoring for the entire ensemble.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00419873
More about this title
About the Artist: Astrud Gilberto
Astrud Gilberto's breathy, intimate vocal delivery became the defining sound of bossa nova in North America during the 1960s. Her recording of "The Girl from Ipanema" with João Gilberto introduced millions of listeners to the genre, and her interpretations of Antonio Carlos Jobim's compositions remain touchstones for jazz vocalists and ensemble arrangers.
For music educators, Gilberto's influence extends beyond her recordings. Her phrasing and restraint offer students a masterclass in understatement; she demonstrates that musicality emerges from economy of expression rather than technical display. Her artistry makes her a vital reference point when teaching jazz interpretation and the subtleties of Brazilian song.
Why we love this
Paul Murtha's voicings respect the melody's lyrical integrity while giving each section something memorable to play. Jazz ensembles at this level often struggle to sound cohesive in ballad settings, but this arrangement provides clear textural layers and intuitive voice leading that lets students focus on phrasing rather than decoding complex harmonies.
What to expect
Wistful and graceful. The bossa nova rhythm creates a gentle forward motion that supports the song's bittersweet lyrics, while Jobim's melody unfolds with unhurried elegance. The overall effect is warmth without sentimentality; restraint that feels deliberate rather than cold.
Who it's for
Jazz ensemble directors seeking accessible material that sounds sophisticated without requiring advanced reading skills. Both seasoned ensembles looking for a vocalist feature and developing groups wanting to work on ballad interpretation will find value here.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melody through dynamic control rather than tempo fluctuation. The bossa nova rhythm stays steady, so vocal inflection and instrumental balancing create the emotional arc.
- Let the accompaniment breathe. Rhythm section players should listen to the soloist's phrasing and adjust their comping accordingly, resisting the urge to fill every space.
- Emphasize the gentle swing quality of the bossa nova pattern. This sits somewhere between straight rhythms and full jazz swing, so light touch and relaxed articulation matter more than precision.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a vocalist feature in a jazz-focused concert or as the anchor piece in a set devoted to Brazilian standards. Place it after a higher-energy opener to give the audience a moment of reflection, or program it midway through to shift the concert's mood without losing momentum.
Skills your students will build
- Playing behind a soloist with responsive, flexible accompaniment
- Interpreting bossa nova rhythm section patterns with appropriate swing and relaxation
- Balancing ensemble chords to support rather than overshadow the melody
- Phrasing as a section in sustained, legato playing