Samba de Orphee Cover Image

Samba de Orphee: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

$60.00 USD
Sale price  $60.00 USD Regular price 
Skip to product information
Samba de Orphee Cover Image

Samba de Orphee: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Words by Antonio Maria and Andre Salvet, music by Luiz Bonfá / arr. Kris Berg

Grade: 4 (Medium Advanced / Difficult)

Item: 00-45081

makemusic Cloud badge

Need it now?

Buy Digital Version
$60.00
Shipped

One moment…

Description
A classic samba played around 208 BPM. "Samba de Orphee" arranged by Kris Berg is bright, happy, upbeat, and festive throughout with the initial melody stated by alto 1 and trumpet 2 with solo chord changes for each. The groove switches to swing midway, then back to the samba feel. A great tune, and superb arrangement from top to bottom. (4:58)

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Samba de Orphee: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

Sample Pages

Sample Audio
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series: Premier Jazz Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 78
UPC: 038081519753
SKU: 00-45081

More about this title

About the Composer: Luiz Bonfá

Luiz Bonfá (1922-2001) was a Brazilian composer and guitarist who helped define the sound of bossa nova and samba in the mid-twentieth century. His work bridged classical training with authentic Brazilian rhythm and harmony, creating pieces that became standards in both jazz and world music contexts. "Samba de Orphee" from the film "Black Orpheus" remains one of his most recognizable compositions, capturing the infectious joy and sophistication that made his music internationally influential.

Bonfá's compositions are staples in jazz education because they demand musicianship while remaining thoroughly accessible to young players. His melodic gift and harmonic clarity make his pieces ideal teaching tools for ensemble players learning to balance swing sensibility with Latin feel.

Why we love this

Kris Berg's arrangement captures the essential spirit of this beloved samba standard while building in real flexibility for ensemble dynamics. The shift from samba to swing and back again gives your group a chance to explore two distinct grooves in a single performance, and the solo changes on alto 1 and trumpet 2 create natural moments for featured players to shine without overshadowing the ensemble's energy.

What to expect

Sunshine and celebration from the opening note. The samba bounce is irresistible and propulsive, carrying the melodic line with natural buoyancy. When the groove shifts to swing midway through, the mood stays bright but gains a cool, sophisticated swagger before settling back into that infectious samba feel.

Who it's for

Jazz ensemble directors working with Grade 4 players who are ready to tackle more sophisticated harmonic territory and stylistic variation. This arrangement suits ensembles preparing for jazz festivals or end-of-year concerts where energy and audience connection matter as much as technical precision.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the samba groove early in rehearsals by isolating the rhythm section and working the pocket at 208 BPM before layering horns on top. The festive feel depends entirely on rhythmic precision underneath.
  • Give your alto 1 and trumpet 2 soloists time to internalize the chord changes and find their own phrasing rather than forcing a predetermined solo. This tune rewards personal interpretation.
  • Mark the groove switch to swing clearly in your score and have the rhythm section practice the transition with particular attention to ride cymbal and walking bass feel before the full ensemble tackles it.
  • Balance the initial melody between alto 1 and trumpet 2 so neither voice dominates; this is a conversation, not a feature and accompaniment.

How to use it

Program this as a set opener or closer to maximize its immediate emotional impact on an audience. It works beautifully as a palate cleanser between heavier jazz pieces and functions equally well as a summer pops concert feature where straightforward joy is exactly what you need.

Skills your students will build

  • Samba rhythm and clave feel in both written and improvised contexts
  • Swing feel and ride cymbal interpretation in the groove-shift section
  • Solo chord changes and jazz melody phrasing
  • Ensemble cohesion while featuring individual soloists
  • Tempo accuracy and groove consistency at 208 BPM
  • Latin ensemble interpretation and authentic Brazilian styling

You May Also Like