Send in the Clowns (from A Little Night Music) (arr. Bob Krogstad): String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Stephen Sondheim / Arranged by Bob Krogstad
Grade: 3-4
Item: 35-PK01212656
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Description
Stephen Sondheim's most recognized song was written for the stage ("A Little Night Music") but became an American standard when it was recorded by legendary singers Judy Collins, Barbra Streisand, and Frank Sinatra. Its dramatic and lyric atmosphere is taken to new heights with Bob Krogstad's exquisite treatment for strings -- a stunning version for the concert stage. (Advanced level) Dur: 4:15
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01212656
More about this title
About the Composer: Stephen Sondheim
Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021) revolutionized musical theater through his intricate lyrics, sophisticated harmonic language, and willingness to tackle unconventional subjects on stage. His works demand that audiences listen closely; every word matters, and every chord carries dramatic weight. For music educators, Sondheim's output offers a masterclass in how melody, harmony, and text interweave to create meaning.
Sondheim's influence extends far beyond Broadway. His songs have become standards in jazz and concert settings, recorded by classical singers and instrumentalists who recognize the depth beneath the theatrical surface. "Send in the Clowns" exemplifies this duality: a deceptively simple melody that unfolds into something achingly complex, making it ideal repertoire for students learning how to find emotional nuance in familiar material.
Why we love this
Krogstad's arrangement respects Sondheim's harmonic sophistication while tailoring it for string players at this level. The orchestration gives each section meaningful material rather than relegating anyone to accompanimental busywork, and the 4:15 duration provides enough musical substance to anchor a concert segment without overshadowing other works.
What to expect
Poignant without being maudlin. The arrangement captures the song's theatrical irony: a character reflecting on missed opportunities with a wry, almost sardonic perspective. Underneath runs genuine melancholy, held together by Sondheim's unmistakable gift for melody that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Who it's for
String orchestras working at Grade 3-4 level who want to program something with genuine artistic weight and familiar to audiences. Directors seeking a piece that teaches musicianship through Broadway repertoire will find the harmonic language and phrasing demands here.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the principal melodic line so it sings over the accompaniment; the strings should evoke the legit vocalists who made this song famous, not drown them out.
- Shape the phrasing in question-and-answer pairs, particularly in the opening sections. Let the music breathe between musical thoughts.
- Watch the harmonic rhythm carefully in slower passages. What feels like a single sonority often contains inner voices moving at their own pace.
- Bring the ensemble to listen recordings by Judy Collins, Barbra Streisand, or Frank Sinatra. Understanding the vocal interpretation informs how strings should color the melody.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a concert centerpiece or closing piece, offering a complete emotional arc in under five minutes. Consider pairing it with lighter string fare to create programming contrast, or use it as the emotional anchor in a Broadway-themed concert that also includes jazz arrangements or classical standards.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining lyrical phrasing across multiple phrases without losing direction
- Balancing competing harmonic interests within a single chord
- Responding to rubato and slight tempo variations that serve the text
- Achieving dynamic control in slower tempos where every note is exposed
- Recognizing and executing harmonic function in jazz-inflected chord progressions