If You Go Away (Ne me quitte pas) Cover Image

If You Go Away (Ne me quitte pas): Full Orchestra Score & Parts

$70.00 USD

If You Go Away (Ne me quitte pas): Full Orchestra Score & Parts

Name: If You Go Away (Ne me quitte pas): Full Orchestra Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 36-A782890
Price: 70.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Jacques Brel, ed./arr. by Richard Hayman

Item: 36-A782890

$70.00

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One moment…

Belgium singer, actor, and composer Jacques Brel (1929-1978) wrote the music and lyrics for Ne me quitte pas (If You Go Away) in 1959. The song was later adapted with English lyrics by Rod McKuen, and the work is considered a pop standard with recordings by many artists. This orchestration was completed by Richard Hayman (1920-2014), who had a very successful career as chief music arranger for the Boston Pops Orchestra, an association that lasted over 50 years, and who also served as a pops conductor for various orchestras including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony, and the Grand Rapids Symphony. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: Sax(4-SATB, opt.): 4.3.3.1: Timp.Perc(5): Hp.Gtr(opt.): Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set).

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Series: Kalmus Orchestra Library

Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.

UPC: 676737927707

SKU: 36-A782890

Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: Sax(4-SATB, opt.): 4.3.3.1: Timp.Perc(5): Hp.Gtr(opt.): Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set)

More about this title

About the Composer: Jacques Brel

Jacques Brel (1929-1978) was a Belgian singer, songwriter, and actor who created some of the most emotionally direct popular songs of the 20th century. Writing in French, he brought theatrical intensity and poetic depth to the chanson tradition, recording dozens of albums and performing across Europe and beyond. His songs, including "Ne me quitte pas" (If You Go Away), have been recorded by artists across multiple genres and generations, proving his gift for melodies that endure.

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Why we love this

Richard Hayman's orchestration transforms an intimate pop standard into a lush concert work without overshadowing Brel's elegant melody. The arrangement sits perfectly for orchestras seeking accessible repertoire that audiences recognize and musicians enjoy playing. The optional saxophone section and flexible instrumentation make this achievable for ensembles of different sizes.

What to expect

Brel's song carries a bittersweet longing, and Hayman's orchestration honors that emotional landscape with warm strings, gentle woodwind colors, and a spacious harmonic palette. There's an intimacy here despite the full orchestra, like watching a spotlight narrow on a private moment.

Who it's for

Orchestra directors seeking a known melody that audiences connect with immediately, and orchestras wanting to program something between standard concert repertoire and pops. Musicians at the intermediate to advanced level will find rewarding parts without excessive technical demands.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the melody line against the full orchestral texture. The woodwind and string writing should support the vocal or principal melody without burying it.
Shape the phrase endings with care. This song's emotional power comes from its quiet restraint as much as its soaring moments.
If using saxophones, keep their tone warm and blended rather than bright. They should feel like part of the orchestral fabric.
Pay attention to dynamics markings in the accompaniment. Hayman's voicing relies on subtle gradations to create depth.

How to use it

This works as a centerpiece on a pops or light classics concert, or as a bridge piece between heavier classical works and lighter fare. Consider pairing it with other 20th-century song arrangements or placing it in a program that celebrates melody and songwriting craft.

Skills your students will build

Balancing melody against orchestral accompaniment
Shaping sustained phrases with dynamic nuance
Blending optional saxophone colors into a traditional orchestra setting
Reading and performing sophisticated harmonic writing in a popular music context