Isn't It A Pity? Sheet Music Preview

Isn't It A Pity?: Lead Sheet / Fake Book

Item: 35-DS00410987

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 1
SKU: 35-DS00410987

More about this title

About the Creator: George Harrison

George Harrison wrote "Isn't It A Pity" during the Beatles era, though it didn't appear on a Beatles album until the "Let It Be" sessions were revisited decades later. The song showcases Harrison's gift for melody and his ability to infuse pop structures with genuine emotional weight. His later solo version became the definitive recording, establishing this tune as a standard in the American songbook.

As a composer, Harrison bridged rock and roll with the harmonic sophistication of Tin Pan Alley, creating songs that work equally well in a jazz club or on a concert stage. "Isn't It A Pity" exemplifies this crossover appeal, which is why it has become a favorite among singers and instrumentalists working across multiple genres.

Why we love this

This lead sheet captures a song with enough harmonic movement to keep pianists engaged without requiring flash or excessive technical display. The melody sits naturally for voices, and the underlying changes offer genuine substance for students learning to comp and navigate non-diatonic harmony.

What to expect

Reflective and gently regretful, with a melody that sits in a comfortable range but carries emotional weight. The harmonic movement creates moments of slight tension that resolve with satisfaction, making each phrase feel purposeful rather than simple.

Who it's for

Pianists developing their jazz and standard repertoire, vocalists seeking accessible yet sophisticated material, and music programs looking to program jazz standards with genuine crossover appeal. Students new to fake books and chord-based reading will find this song forgiving enough to build confidence without sacrificing musical substance.

How to get the most out of it

  • Let the melody breathe; this song rewards restraint over embellishment, so resist the urge to overplay or overcomplicate the accompaniment.
  • Pay attention to voice leading in the chord changes. The progression contains some unexpected turns that become clearer when you voice them with intention rather than default shapes.
  • If performing with a vocalist, stay flexible with tempo. This tune often needs space around the lyric, especially in the final phrase.

How to use it

Pair this with other Harrison compositions or with standards from the same era to build a jazz or contemporary song-based set. It works beautifully as a solo piano piece on a chamber concert, or as an accompaniment vehicle if you have a vocalist exploring jazz standards.

Skills your students will build

  • Navigating lead sheet notation and realizing chords from symbols
  • Voice leading through non-diatonic harmonic progressions
  • Accompanying a melodic line with appropriate harmonic density
  • Interpreting emotional content through accompaniment choices

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