Composed by James Van Heusen. Arranged by James Symington. This edition: pdf, streaming. Broadway, Jazz, Musical/Show, Traditional. 77 pages. James Edward Ernest Symington #1233166. Published by James Edward Ernest Symington (A0.1667336).
This arrangement of "Nancy (With the Laughing Face)", the classic ballad famously associated with Frank Sinatra, is a lyrical and expressive setting designed to highlight the rich, warm tone of the alto saxophone. Scored for solo alto sax and concert band, the arrangement preserves the sentimental charm of Jimmy Van Heusen and Phil Silvers’ original composition while offering a fresh, yet respectful reinterpretation for the wind ensemble setting.
The piece opens with a gentle, rubato introduction by the concert band, setting a dreamy and nostalgic mood. The solo alto saxophone enters with the main melody, delivering it with smooth phrasing and expressive vibrato, supported by lush harmonic textures from the woodwinds and brass.
Throughout the arrangement, careful attention is paid to dynamics and balance, allowing the soloist’s voice to shine without being overpowered. The band accompaniment employs soft voicings, occasional counter-melodies, and tasteful swells, adding depth and color while staying out of the spotlight.
The middle section may feature a subtle modulation and a brief interplay between the soloist and various sections of the band—particularly the clarinets and flugelhorns—creating moments of musical conversation. The final reprise of the theme is treated with tenderness and restraint, leading to a soft, poignant ending that echoes the song’s original emotional impact.
Perfect for advanced high school or collegiate ensembles, this arrangement is ideal for concert settings that call for a showcase of lyrical solo playing and sensitive ensemble accompaniment. It offers an opportunity for expressive interpretation, breath control, and tonal beauty from the alto saxophonist while allowing the band to support with elegance and nuance.
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.
About Digital Downloads
Digital Downloads are downloadable sheet music files that can be viewed directly on
your computer, tablet or mobile device. Once you download your digital sheet music,
you can view and print it at home, school, or anywhere you want to make music, and
you don't have to be connected to the internet. Just purchase, download and play!
PLEASE NOTE: Your Digital Download will have a watermark at the bottom of each page
that will include your name, purchase date and number of copies purchased. You are
only authorized to print the number of copies that you have purchased. You may not
digitally distribute or print more copies than purchased for use (i.e., you may not
print or digitally distribute individual copies to friends or students).
Composed by James Van Heusen. Arranged by James Symington. This edition: pdf, streaming. Broadway, Jazz, Musical/Show, Traditional. 77 pages. James Edward Ernest Symington #1233166. Published by James Edward Ernest Symington (A0.1667336).
This arrangement of "Nancy (With the Laughing Face)", the classic ballad famously associated with Frank Sinatra, is a lyrical and expressive setting designed to highlight the rich, warm tone of the alto saxophone. Scored for solo alto sax and concert band, the arrangement preserves the sentimental charm of Jimmy Van Heusen and Phil Silvers’ original composition while offering a fresh, yet respectful reinterpretation for the wind ensemble setting.
The piece opens with a gentle, rubato introduction by the concert band, setting a dreamy and nostalgic mood. The solo alto saxophone enters with the main melody, delivering it with smooth phrasing and expressive vibrato, supported by lush harmonic textures from the woodwinds and brass.
Throughout the arrangement, careful attention is paid to dynamics and balance, allowing the soloist’s voice to shine without being overpowered. The band accompaniment employs soft voicings, occasional counter-melodies, and tasteful swells, adding depth and color while staying out of the spotlight.
The middle section may feature a subtle modulation and a brief interplay between the soloist and various sections of the band—particularly the clarinets and flugelhorns—creating moments of musical conversation. The final reprise of the theme is treated with tenderness and restraint, leading to a soft, poignant ending that echoes the song’s original emotional impact.
Perfect for advanced high school or collegiate ensembles, this arrangement is ideal for concert settings that call for a showcase of lyrical solo playing and sensitive ensemble accompaniment. It offers an opportunity for expressive interpretation, breath control, and tonal beauty from the alto saxophonist while allowing the band to support with elegance and nuance.
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.
About Digital Downloads
Digital Downloads are downloadable sheet music files that can be viewed directly on
your computer, tablet or mobile device. Once you download your digital sheet music,
you can view and print it at home, school, or anywhere you want to make music, and
you don't have to be connected to the internet. Just purchase, download and play!
PLEASE NOTE: Your Digital Download will have a watermark at the bottom of each page
that will include your name, purchase date and number of copies purchased. You are
only authorized to print the number of copies that you have purchased. You may not
digitally distribute or print more copies than purchased for use (i.e., you may not
print or digitally distribute individual copies to friends or students).
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