I Sing of Love (from "Kiss Me Kate"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection captures the complete theatrical experience of one of Broadway's most consistently entertaining scores. Porter's melodies are instantly singable yet harmonically rich enough to reward repeated exploration, and the songs span a range of dramatic moments from comedic ensemble numbers to intimate ballads. Directors program from this score because nearly every song works as a standalone performance piece while also deepening understanding of how music serves storytelling.

The music radiates intelligence and charm. You encounter elegant, conversational melodies that feel spontaneous despite their careful construction, supported by harmonies that are both sophisticated and warmly approachable. There's humor, romance, theatrical flair, and genuine musicality at every turn. Performing these songs feels like joining an exclusive conversation between composer and audience.

This book serves singers and pianists preparing solo material for recitals, auditions, or performances in jazz and cabaret settings. It's equally valuable for music students studying American song, music theater majors, and accompanists building a versatile repertoire of standards. Choral directors can extract ensemble numbers for concert programming.

• Pay attention to Porter's chord changes, particularly chromatic movements and unexpected harmonic turns. These aren't ornamental; they shape the emotional arc of each song and demand precise intonation from singers and accompanists.
• Approach the comic numbers ("Brush Up Your Shakespeare," "Too Darn Hot") with rhythmic precision and clear diction. Porter's lyrics are weapons of wit, and they land only when delivered cleanly.
• Balance the sophistication of the music with accessibility. These are singable melodies; resist over-complicating interpretations. Let the natural charm and humor of the writing come through.
• Use the chord symbols to explore jazz voicings and reharmonization if working in a cabaret or jazz context. Porter's music invites creative accompaniment while maintaining the integrity of his original progressions.

Draw from this score for variety in a vocal recital, pairing a Porter ballad with art songs and contemporary repertoire. Directors can stage a full Kiss Me, Kate production or program individual numbers in a musical theater concert or cabaret-style show. Academic settings use selections from this collection in jazz vocal classes, American song seminars, and accompaniment coaching.

• Interpreting chromatic harmony and unexpected chord progressions
• Singing with clarity and stylistic awareness across comedy, ballad, and ensemble contexts
• Understanding the relationship between lyrical content and musical phrasing in theatrical music
• Accompanying singers with idiomatic jazz voicings while respecting the composer's harmonic intent
• Performing standards with appropriate articulation, rhythm precision, and comedic timing