Love Is Like A Cigarette (from It Happened In Nordland): E-Z Play Today
Love Is Like A Cigarette (from It Happened In Nordland) Sheet Music Preview

Love Is Like A Cigarette (from It Happened In Nordland): E-Z Play Today

As performed by Victor Herbert

Item: 35-DS01867835
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$4.99
Description

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 2
SKU: 35-DS01867835

More about this title

About the Artist: Victor Herbert

Victor Herbert (1859-1924) was an Irish-born composer and conductor who became one of America's most prolific creators of operetta and musical theater. His gift for memorable melody and sophisticated harmonic writing made him a dominant force in Broadway's early decades, with works like Babes in Toyland and Naughty Marietta still performed regularly in schools and community theaters.

Herbert's music bridges classical training with theatrical accessibility. He understood how to write for singers and instrumentalists alike, creating pieces that sound elegant without demanding virtuosity. For educators, his catalog offers straightforward entry points into theater music for students who aren't yet ready for more complex scores.

Why we love this

Herbert's operettas contain some of the most singable melodies written for early twentieth-century theater, and this arrangement captures that gift in a manageable two-page format. The E-Z Play Today edition strips away complexity without losing charm, making it accessible for students exploring musical theater repertoire while keeping the harmonic language intact.

What to expect

Wistful and conversational, like someone confiding a truth through song. The piece carries the bittersweet elegance of early operetta, with harmonies that feel both modern for their time and timeless now. There's a gentle wit underneath the surface, reflecting the clever wordplay of its theatrical origin.

Who it's for

Piano students exploring early twentieth-century theater music, whether as solo repertoire or as preparation for accompanying singers. Music theory classes can use this to study how Herbert balances diatonic harmony with memorable, singable lines.

How to get the most out of it

  • Anchor the tempo in the verse before the chorus enters; Herbert's melodies breathe naturally when the underlying pulse stays consistent rather than pushing forward.
  • Shape each phrase toward its highest note rather than front-loading the dynamics; this approach honors the songwriting craft and reveals the melody's architecture.
  • Notice where the accompaniment pattern shifts and use those moments to refresh the listener's ear. Small changes in texture are your friends here.

How to use it

Pair this with other Herbert selections or other operetta excerpts in a vintage Broadway showcase. It also works as a palate cleanser between heavier classical works or as an accessible solo option for an intermediate-level pianist with expressive control.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing through the hands on piano (phrasing vocal-style melody lines)
  • Balancing melody and accompaniment texture
  • Interpreting theater music written for voice (even when playing solo)
  • Understanding early twentieth-century harmonic language

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