I'd Do Anything (from Oliver): E-Z Play Today

This tune captures everything that makes Bart's songwriting so durable: a simple, singable melody that doesn't talk down to its audience, and harmonic movement that feels inevitable without being complicated. For piano students working through Broadway repertoire, it's a legitimate entry point into musical theatre writing that rewards careful phrasing and understands that fewer notes played with conviction matter more than technical display.

Earnest and tender, with an undercurrent of hopefulness. The melody has the quality of something heartfelt offered quietly, building to moments of greater conviction without ever losing its gentleness or sincerity.

Piano students who are ready to explore Broadway classics beyond the most obvious selections, and teachers looking for accessible material that doesn't sacrifice musical substance. Pianists comfortable with moderate reading demands will find this both playable and musically satisfying.

• Lean into the conversational quality of the melody. This is a promise between two characters, so resist the urge to oversell it. Let the tune speak for itself.
• Shape the phrases through gentle dynamic swell rather than sudden changes. The emotional journey here builds gradually.
• Keep the accompaniment texture light and transparent, especially in the early sections. The piano supports the story, not the reverse.

Pair this with other golden age Broadway selections for a concert exploring how the musical theatre songbook speaks to different emotional territories. It also works beautifully as a solo recital piece for students wanting to showcase their ability to handle romantic material with restraint and taste.

• Phrasing and breathing in a melody-driven context
• Balancing melody and accompaniment texture
• Interpreting legit Broadway writing with appropriate rubato
• Pedal control in sustaining harmonic movement