Frank Wildhorn is a composer who has become central to the modern musical theater repertoire, with major works including Jekyll and Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Ragtime. His gift for crafting emotionally direct melodies that sit naturally in the voice has made his scores accessible to student performers while maintaining theatrical sophistication. Wildhorn's work appears regularly in school and community theater productions, introducing young musicians to contemporary musical composition.
Why we love this
This big note arrangement opens Jekyll and Hyde's most poignant moment to early intermediate pianists who might otherwise wait years to play Wildhorn's music. The arrangement preserves the emotional arc of the original while respecting the technical reality of developing hands, making it genuinely singable for youth vocalists and rewarding for pianists learning to accompany with musical maturity.
What to expect
Intimate and searching. The song moves through a quiet longing that builds slowly, allowing both performer and listener space to sit with the character's emotional truth. There's a tenderness in the harmonic movement that rewards patient, singing playing.
Who it's for
Early intermediate pianists accompanying student singers, as well as young pianists building repertoire in contemporary musical theater. This arrangement also serves music teachers introducing students to Wildhorn's compositional voice without overwhelming their technical abilities.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the phrase around the vocalist's breath rather than rushing toward the next harmonic change; this song lives in restraint and vulnerability.
Pedal conservatively in the left hand accompaniment to maintain clarity, especially where big note voicings can blur together.
Resist the urge to accelerate into the chorus; the emotional weight depends on a steady, almost hymn-like tempo.
Listen closely to where the melody sits harmonically and adjust your dynamic support accordingly; some measures need the accompaniment to recede entirely.
How to use it
Pair this with other musical theater selections in a cabaret or recital setting, or use it as an accessible introduction to Jekyll and Hyde for programs where full staging isn't feasible. It works beautifully as an interlude piece or as a vocal solo accompaniment for competition and festival preparation.
Skills your students will build
Accompanying singers with sensitivity to vocal phrasing and breath
Playing sustained harmonic progressions without rushing
Dynamic control across both hands in a simplified texture
Recognizing and respecting contemporary musical theater composition
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