Stouthearted Men (from The New Moon): E-Z Play Today

This arrangement captures the robust, forward-moving character of Romberg's melody while keeping the accompaniment accessible for intermediate pianists. The E-Z Play format strips away unnecessary complexity without sacrificing the song's theatrical appeal, making it a genuine crowd pleaser in student performances.

Stouthearted and earnest, with the kind of soaring, confident melody that made Romberg's operettas so durable. The piece carries warmth and sincerity without sentimentality, inviting the performer to sing rather than simply play.

Intermediate piano students looking for material that combines approachable technique with genuine musical substance. Directors seeking a recognizable Broadway standard that works equally well as a recital piece or as part of a musical theater unit.

• Shape the melody phrase by phrase rather than measure by measure; Romberg's lines breathe in longer units, and respecting that arc gives the piece its authentic character.
• Balance the accompaniment to stay supportive; the melody is your primary concern, so voice the left hand to complement rather than compete.
• Let the tempo have some give, particularly at phrase endings. Operetta songs benefit from slight rubato that honors their lyrical nature.

Pair this with other golden age Broadway selections for a history of American musical theater, or feature it as a solo number in a student recital where something with dramatic presence is needed. The two pages make it manageable for students working toward performance literacy without overwhelming rehearsal time.

• Maintaining consistent tempo while shaping lyrical phrases
• Balancing melody and accompaniment textures
• Interpreting Broadway style conventions in an operetta context
• Reading and executing mid-range accompaniment patterns across two pages