Try To Remember (from The Fantasticks): E-Z Play Today

This arrangement captures everything that makes the song unforgettable: a simple, memorable melody that sits beautifully under the hands and harmony that deepens without complicating the learning process. The E-Z Play format makes it accessible to students building independence at the piano while preserving the song's genuine emotional weight, meaning beginners experience real artistry rather than a watered-down approximation.

The piece carries a nostalgic, reflective quality, inviting the player to slow down and savor each phrase. There's an almost folk-like simplicity to the melody that belies its theatrical sophistication, creating space for genuine musical expression even at the student level.

Student pianists comfortable with basic five-finger positions and simple accompaniment patterns will find this arrangement manageable and rewarding. Teachers looking for repertoire that connects students to Broadway's melodic legacy will appreciate how this piece delivers genuine emotion without excessive technical demands.

• Shape the melody with gentle phrase peaks rather than playing every note at the same dynamic level; the song's power lives in its simplicity, so let the natural contour of the line breathe.
• Keep the tempo moderate and unhurried; resist the urge to rush, especially through the quieter passages where the lyrical quality matters most.
• Balance the melody against the accompaniment so listeners hear the tune clearly; this isn't a piece that rewards heavy left-hand playing.

Pair this with other accessible Broadway selections for a recital program focused on American musical theater, or use it as a bridge between classical piano studies and contemporary songwriting. It works equally well as a solo piece or accompanying a vocalist, making it flexible for spring recitals or ensemble concerts.

• Playing lyrical, singable melodic lines with appropriate phrasing
• Balancing melody and accompaniment
• Understanding song form through a complete Broadway arrangement
• Interpreting harmony within a simple, accessible framework