I Speak Six Languages (From "the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee") Sheet Music Preview

I Speak Six Languages (From "the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

Ed. Lisa DeSpain

Item: 00-PS-0010497

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$5.99

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Description
For aspiring and professional singers who love Broadway, Alfred's Singer's Library of Musical Theatre presents an elegant collection of the best-loved musical theatre songs in their original keys, authentically transcribed from their original vocal scores. Perfect for study, and equally suitable for the most important auditions and performances, each volume is dedicated to a specific vocal range, and contains dozens of songs from a variety of shows that span decades of theatre history. Multiple volumes are available for each of four vocal ranges: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano/Alto, Tenor, and Baritone/Bass. Authoritative historical and contextual commentary, audition tips, and 16-bar cut suggestions for each song make it the most useful and relevant song library of its kind.

Titles: All for You (Saturday Night) * Autumn (Starting Here, Starting Now) * Ballad of Dependency (The Threepenny Opera) * The Boy Friend (The Boy Friend) * Bring on Tomorrow (Fame -- The Musical) * Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye (Anything Goes 1988 Revival) * I Speak Six Languages (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) * I'm a Stranger Here Myself (One Touch of Venus) * Jilted (Of Thee I Sing) * Just Imagine (Good News) * A Little Bit in Love (Wonderful Town) * A Little Bit of Good (Chicago) * Long Ago (Half a Sixpense) * Love in a Home (Lil' Abner) * Love Is Sweeping the Country (Of Thee I Sing) * Mira (Carnival) * My Love Is on the Way (The Golden Apple) * My Man's Gone Now (Porgy and Bess) * Once Upon a Dream (Jekyll & Hyde) * Only Love (Scarlet Pimpernel) * Patterns (Closer Than Ever) * Practically Perfect (Mary Poppins -- Stage Version) * Romance (The Desert Song) * Safety in Numbers (The Boy Friend) * The Sailor of My Dreams (Dames at Sea) * Some Other Time (On the Town)* The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze (The Mikado) * Tell Me (Marie Christine) * This Is All Very New to Me (Plain and Fancy) * Timid Frieda (Les Timides) (Jacques Brel Is Alive & Well & Living in Paris) * Was She Prettier Than I? (High Spirits) * Why Shouldn't I? (Jubilee) * Windflowers (The Golden Apple) * Yes, My Heart (Carnival).

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Lucky To Be Me from On The Town

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Additional Details
Series: Singer's Library of Musical Theatre
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 196
SKU: 00-PS-0010497

More about this title

About the Composer: William Finn

William Finn is a composer and lyricist best known for his work in musical theatre, where he has created scores that blend contemporary sensibilities with intricate wordplay and emotional depth. His musicals, including "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and "Falsettos," have earned critical acclaim and numerous awards, establishing him as a distinctive voice in modern musical theater who writes for a wide range of vocal types and dramatic situations.

Why we love this

This collection captures Finn's gift for writing character-driven songs that reveal personality through language and melody. The audition tips and 16-bar cut suggestions make these pieces immediately practical for serious singers preparing for auditions, while the original keys and authentic transcriptions preserve the theatrical intent that makes each song work dramatically.

What to expect

Finn's music lives in witty, intelligent character moments. These songs feel conversational yet deeply musical, full of unexpected melodic turns and rhythmic surprises that reflect the specificity of their theatrical origins. There is warmth and humor alongside genuine emotional vulnerability.

Who it's for

Aspiring and professional singers preparing auditions, singers interested in contemporary musical theatre, and vocal instructors seeking substantial, character-rich repertoire in original keys. This collection is essential for anyone serious about musical theatre performance.

How to get the most out of it

  • Study the character context from the show before approaching the song; Finn's lyrics are densely packed with character information that shapes phrasing and emotional emphasis.
  • Pay attention to the rhythmic precision in the vocal line—Finn's melodies often ride the natural speech patterns of his lyrics, so clarity of diction is essential to the song's impact.
  • Use the provided cut suggestions as a learning tool; understanding why those specific 16 bars work as a complete audition piece teaches you about song structure and dramatic arc.

How to use it

Select individual songs for recital programming that reflect your vocal range and dramatic strengths. The variety across decades and styles makes it possible to build a cohesive audition book or recital set that showcases range, stylistic versatility, and acting ability.

Skills your students will build

  • Interpreting character-driven contemporary musical theatre songs
  • Performing in original keys with authentic orchestration awareness
  • Understanding song structure through analyzing 16-bar audition cuts
  • Building phrasing that honors both melodic and lyrical demands
  • Developing dramatic specificity in musical theatre performance

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