If I Were A Bell (from Guys and Dolls) (arr. Kirby Shaw): Choral Instrumental Pak
By Frank Loesser / Arranged by Kirby Shaw
Item: 35-PK01554601
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Description
A Broadway standard for generations, this Frank Loesser showtune from "Guys and Dolls" brims with playful longing with it's charming depiction of the thrill of love's possibilities. Lively, jazzy and fresh, the clever and catchy lyrics have stood the test of time.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01554601
More about this title
About the Composer: Frank Loesser
Frank Loesser (1910-1969) composed some of Broadway's most enduring scores, with a gift for writing melodies that burrow into memory and lyrics that sparkle with wit. His work in musical theater spanned from the 1940s through the 1960s, and he understood instinctively how to balance sophistication with accessibility, creating songs that satisfy both audiences and performers.
Why we love this
Kirby Shaw's arrangement captures the effervescent charm of this Loesser classic while giving your ensemble something genuinely fun to sing. The jazz inflections and rhythmic vitality make it feel contemporary and fresh, even though the melody is instantly recognizable. This is the kind of piece that reminds singers why they love performing in the first place.
What to expect
Pure delight. The melody soars with infectious optimism while the jazz harmonies give it sophistication and style. It's buoyant and romantic without a hint of sentimentality, capturing that giddy moment when love feels full of possibility.
Who it's for
Choirs looking for a showstopper with legitimate theatrical personality. This works beautifully for mixed ensembles, small jazz choirs, or as a feature for skilled soloists backed by the full group.
How to get the most out of it
- Emphasize the natural conversational phrasing in the lyrics rather than treating them as sung prose. Loesser's words want to land with comedic timing and personality.
- Shape the dynamics around the emotional arc of the text. The song tracks a character's growing excitement about love, so let the sound expand gradually rather than hitting full volume immediately.
- Balance the jazz harmonies so the chord colors come through clearly. Avoid rushing through the changes, especially in sections where the harmony shifts underneath a sustained melody note.
- Work the rhythm section tight with your singers. The accompaniment has swing and bounce built in, so precision here lifts the entire arrangement.
How to use it
Feature this on a pops concert or cabaret-style event where you can let the humor and theatricality shine. It pairs well with other mid-century standards or Broadway repertoire, and works equally well as a concert closer that sends audiences out smiling.
Skills your students will build
- Stylistic interpretation of jazz phrasing and swing rhythms
- Lyrical clarity and comic timing in sung text
- Reading and balancing jazz voicings and extended harmonies
- Ensemble coordination with rhythm section accompaniment
- Sustaining character and personality across a full arrangement