Lullaby of Broadway (and "Forty-Second Street"): SAB Choral Octavo

Jay Althouse's treatment captures the swagger and sophistication of these standards without requiring orchestral resources. The arrangement scaffolds between two iconic songs, giving singers the satisfaction of performing music that already lives in the cultural memory while staying accessible for developing ensembles.

urbane and playful. The music captures the energy of Broadway nightlife without losing sight of the lyrical warmth that made these songs last. There's sophistication here, but it never takes itself too seriously.

Choirs looking to program something with built-in audience recognition and genuine theatrical flair. This works especially well for groups developing comfort with swing feel and contemporary jazz harmony, or ensembles ready for their first venture into staged musical theater.

• Let the rhythm section lock the swing feel early in rehearsal; once the groove sits solidly, the melodic lines will land with natural phrasing.
• The recorded accompaniment pairs well with the movement choreography featured on the Danza! DVD, offering visual learners a complete picture of the piece in performance.
• Shape the phrases around the lyric content rather than the bar line; these songs ask for conversational phrasing that breathes between musical thoughts.
• Balance the blend between parts so the alto and bass lines (which carry harmonic color) support rather than overshadow the soprano melody.

Pair this with other standards or light pops fare to create a "Golden Age" concert set. It also serves as an accessible introduction to Broadway repertoire for younger or less experienced singers, offering movement and staging options that enhance engagement beyond the music alone.

• Singing in swing feel and jazz-inflected harmony
• Balancing melody-driven and harmony-driven passages in three-part texture
• Synchronizing singing with choreographed movement
• Stylistic interpretation of arranged standards from the Great American Songbook