Product Description
Slow ballad (quarter note=70).
Running time: 4:00
Vocal range: Baritone: Bb (2nd line bass clef) C# (above middle C)
Prelude to a Kiss was composed by Duke Ellington in 1938. It is highly chromatic and harmonically complex, considered experimental at the time. It was first recorded as an instrumental in August 1938, and again later that year as a vocal featuring Mary McHugh. Its been recorded numerous times by such artists as Johnny Hodges, Benny Carter, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, June Christy (with Stan Kenton) and Phil Woods
This arrangement is for a male vocal with a baritone range. It is two choruses long, with the first half of the second chorus consisting of an ensemble followed by an alto sax solo. The vocal reenters on the bridge of the second chorus and takes the song to its conclusion.
Instrumentation is the standard big band: five saxes (a,a,t,t,b), four trumpets, four trombones, guitar, piano, bass & drums. The two alto saxes double on clarinets and the tenors double flutes.
An optional Bb solo part is included so the arrangement can be performed as an instrumental featuring a trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor sax, etc. in place of the vocal.
Brass parts are in a moderate range. The lead trumpet stays mostly in the staff, although there is one high D.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.