I Guess I'll Miss the Man (from Pippin): Piano/Vocal/Chords

Schwartz collaborated directly on this edition to capture the energy and refinement of the acclaimed 2013 Broadway revival, making it the definitive piano/vocal resource for this score. The inclusion of "On the Right Track" and the composer's own lyric and arrangement refinements mean you're teaching and performing Pippin exactly as Schwartz envisioned it for contemporary audiences. For singers and pianists who want the authentic, composer-approved version, this is the only version that matters.

Pippin balances vaudeville showmanship with genuine emotional depth. These songs range from the infectious charm and rhythmic snap of "Corner of the Sky" to the tender vulnerability of "With You" and the wry philosophical humor of "No Time at All." The score sparkles with clever harmonic turns and theatrical personality while never losing sight of the human story at its center.

Singers preparing audition repertoire from Pippin, community theater and high school music theater programs casting this revival, and pianists building a contemporary musical theater library. This edition is essential for anyone teaching or performing Pippin who wants the composer-approved arrangement and lyrics.

• Balance the vocal melody with piano accompaniment that often carries harmonic and rhythmic complexity; resist letting the piano overpower the singer, especially in intimate moments like "Simple Joys" and "Love Song."
• Study the harmonic language carefully before rehearsing with a singer. Schwartz layers sophisticated jazz chords and unexpected modulations that require solid technique and attentive listening between voice and keyboard.
• Pay attention to the stylistic variety across the score. "Magic to Do" demands theatrical flair and rhythmic precision, while "Morning Glow" calls for lyrical sensitivity and sustained rubato; prepare to shift your approach piece by piece.
• Use the chord symbols as a guide for improvisation and accompaniment flexibility, especially in songs where Schwartz's arrangements suggest room for interpretation and contemporary jazz voicings.

This collection works as a complete musical theater production resource or as a source for individual audition pieces, cabaret programming, and recital encores. Consider pairing standout numbers with scenes from the script for concert presentations, or use selections as supplementary repertoire in a music theater course exploring the craft of contemporary musical composition.

• Sight-reading jazz chord symbols and contemporary harmonic progressions
• Coordinating vocal phrasing with rhythmically complex piano accompaniment
• Shifting performance style and character between songs (vaudeville, ballad, comic timing, philosophical reflection)
• Understanding how a composer revises and refines work for contemporary production
• Interpreting lyrics with theatrical intention and emotional authenticity