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SATB version also available
This arrangement of one of Antonio Carlos Jobim's most beloved bossa nova compositions stays in four parts throughout, a cappella, with no solos written, so it's performable by a group as small as four SSAA vocalists, as well as by a large traditional choir. The arrangement starts with the ensemble singing the Portuguese lyric together in harmony, with a second chorus in English, using the bass section to lay down a bossa groove. Almost all of the harmony comes from Jobim except for one moment late in the arrangement where some reharmonization is used, and even in that spot, a simpler alternative is given as an addendum to the chart, for those who want to keep the piece more traditional throughout. The demo recording utilizes cajon and shaker, and notes are given in the arrangement for where optional aux percussion like this can be used, and when it should lay out for effect. A straight-forward (and hopefully very effective) approach to an important classic of the jazz repertoire!
a cappella with optional auxilliary percussion
Commissioned by Folsom High School Jazz Choir, Curtis Gaesser, dir. (2021)
Video: Getz/Gilberto Version
