Details page

Title
Cute
Original Title
Composer
Hefti, Neil
Year
Editor
Arranger
Meyer, Dick
Year Arranged
2009
Original Instrumentation
Jazz band
Publisher
VerMeulen Music
Year Published
2009
Catalogue Number
8144
Sheet Music Format
A4, Score (12, wide) & parts (8x1=8)
Horns
8
Additional Equipment
Others
Other Instruments
Duration
2
Structure / Movements
One movement. Swing
Clefs
Treble, bass
Meters
C
Key signatures
1b. 1#
Range
Horn 1: a1 - b2 Horn 2: c1 - f#2 Horn 3: f1 - g2 Horn 4: db1 - e2 Horn 5: c1 - d2 Horn 6: bb - c2 Horn 7: f - a1 Horn 8: c - a1
Creator's Comments
Performance Notes
Cute is one of Neil Hefti's (1922-2008) famous charts written for Count Basie, next to many arrangements and the occasional film score (such as the original Batman TV series). Hefti also was a jazz trumpeter, but started arranging at an early ago, and that is what he is mainly remembered for. A recording of Cute is easily found, so what is most interesting, is how Meyer deals with the omission of the drum set. Why it was not included in the first place (as in other arrangement of his) is a different question. Meyer's solution is to write a descending, contrasting line (the opening tune is ascending) in horns 1 and 2, shorter than the drum improvisations, but similarly effective. The rest of the piece follows the standard Meyer instrumentation: horns team up in pairs and play, at times in unison, their respective parts (1 & 2 the tune, 3-6 the accompaniment or counter-melodies, and 7 & 8 the bass line). As with all other Meyer arrangements, the decision whether to buy this set or not rests mainly on whether the ensemble likes the piece, as the arrangement is solid, and not very difficult to play.
Credits
Access to review score: Nancy Joy (NMSU)
Sound
Score