Hi Piano Pals
I’ve been wanting to arrange the George Gershwin fav ‘S Wonderful since it came into the public domain this year. So many great singers have recorded it but my favorite is João Gilberto‘s beautiful, sexy performance that was featured in the film Eat, Pray, Love. You might notice that Gilberto sings the melody “in front of the beat,” meaning that he often sings the lyrics too soon. But his band keeps the beat and he never gets too far ahead. While you might not be lucky enough to have a band playing a percussive accompaniment, you can play the melody and chords on piano, and even sing the lyrics! This is an intermediate arrangement:
Print: ‘S Wonderful (intermediate)
The intermediate arrangement will only be available for one year (through July 2024) so print today!
‘S Wonderful – intermediate demonstration
If the chords feel too complicated to play, download my simplified arrangement:
‘S Wonderful – easier – demonstration
I hope you are managing to stay cool and hydrated if you are in a searing hot climate right now. I suggest that you get in the habit of keeping a water bottle or spill-proof flask near (not on) your piano/keyboard and take sips regularly as you play. I have several students who were taken to the emergency room because of dehydration (and it wasn’t even summer); dehydration is very dangerous, and easily preventable, so drink up! (Sorry, not alcohol, which is dehydrating.)
How is your summer going? What are you playing this month? We want to hear all about it!
Stay cool and be well, with love and music, Gaili
P.S. If you are new to this blog, welcome! I am a veteran piano teacher of 36 years! I post free sheet music every month, arranged for beginning to intermediate piano students, plus posts and worksheets to motivate and inform. I have written piano instruction books for older adults (UpperHandsPiano.com), younger adults and teens (PianoPowered.com), Songs of the Seasons piano sheet music books for seasonal classical and popular favorites, and my latest piano/guitar/vocals books called The Music Remedy – sheet music collections to restore and revitalize the spirit. Check out my books on the websites above, or click below to view them on Amazon.com.