Customer Reviews

The Harold Arlen Songbook

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Even if he never wrote anything else, Harold Arlen earned a stellar position in the Great American Songbook for writing "Over the Rainbow", as well as the other songs from "The Wizard of Oz". But he wrote so many more wonderful songs, ranging from the happiest and most light-hearted melodies to songs of nearly-operatic power. Sopranos, in particular, should look at this collection, which contains "Blues in the Night", "I Had Myself a True Love", and "I Wonder What Became of Me". The arrangements in this book are quite full, although a professional accompanist could make more of them, and the keys are singable. It is one of the staples of my popular music library. Harold Arlen's work is often associated with Judy Garland, but I think Eileen Farrell is actually the absolute best interpreter of his songs. Look for her CDs titled "Eileen Farrell Sings Harold Arlen" and "I Got a Right to Sing the Blues". They will blow you away, and maybe change your perception of what great singing can be.

This is a wonderful anthology of Harold Arlen songs. Since he wrote over 400 songs, it's impossible to include them all, but the best are definitely represented here. If you want to learn an Arlen song, this is the source.

Harold Arlen wrote so many of the songs we love; this collection is only a fraction of his work but a fantastic resource. The arrangements are simple and solid enough. For a singer looking for pop/jazz tunes that are sure to entertain, or musical theater that is less-heard in auditions this is really a must.

An excellent compilation of the songs of one of America's finest tunesmiths. The spiral-bound book is easy to play from and you can't beat the songs: Somewhere Over The Rainbow, That Old Black Magic and Stormy Weather, to name just three. Fabulous!

Arlen wrote some of the best "black" songs such as Stormy Weather and Blues in the Night. He also composed the songs for "the Wizard of Oz".

He isn't as well know as Gershwin , Rodgers and Porter but he belongs to the pantheon of American song writers, This Cd is one of the Smithsonian series of American songwriters and, like all the rest I have, it is excellent. Different singers sing the songs and all are very good.

Musical theater daughter in college has this songbook and really liked some of the songs--some very popular songs and others unknown gems which are great for auditions. We had to give this as gifts to several voice teachers--after she had shared the songbook, they really wanted a copy to share with their own voice students. Most popular song by this musical theater and movie composer: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"...Check out his other songs!