Lee Evans Arranges Harold Arlen. : Book Review

"Lee Evans Arranges Harold Arlen" is a captivating book that pays homage to the legendary composer Harold Arlen. Through the brilliant arrangements and insightful commentary of Lee Evans, readers are taken on a musical journey that celebrates Arlen's timeless compositions.

Harold Arlen is widely recognized for his significant contributions to the American songbook, with iconic tunes such as "Over the Rainbow" and "Stormy Weather" to his name. In this book, Lee Evans, a highly respected musician and composer, takes a deep dive into Arlen's extensive body of work and presents a fresh perspective by arranging a variety of his compositions for solo piano.

Evans skillfully captures the essence of Arlen's music in his arrangements, while also infusing them with his own artistic flair. The result is a collection of pieces that are both inspiring and challenging for pianists, showcasing Evans' expert craftsmanship and understanding of Arlen's unique style, structure, and musical techniques.

One of the standout features of this book is the inclusion of a comprehensive selection of Arlen's compositions, ranging from his well-known classics to lesser-known gems. This allows readers to explore the full breadth and depth of Arlen's musical genius and gain a deeper appreciation for his talent as a composer.

What sets "Lee Evans Arranges Harold Arlen" apart is Evans' insightful commentary, which provides valuable insights into Arlen's creative process and artistic choices. Through his detailed explanations, Evans not only helps readers understand the nuances of each arrangement but also offers a wealth of knowledge for aspiring musicians looking to develop their arranging skills.

What are readers saying?

The book "Lee Evans Arranges Harold Arlen" by Harold Arlen has received varied feedback from readers. While some reviewers praise the book's content and its ability to showcase Harold Arlen's musical prowess, others find it lacking in certain areas.

Several reviewers appreciate the book for capturing the essence of Harold Arlen's music and highlighting his immense talent as a composer. They commend Lee Evans for accurately arranging the sheet music and believe it to be musically rewarding. Readers enjoy being able to play Arlen's compositions themselves, thanks to the detailed and easy-to-follow arrangements provided in the book.

Furthermore, some reviewers also commend the book for providing insight into Arlen's life and career. They find the accompanying text informative and engaging, shedding light on the inspirations and stories behind Arlen's compositions. These readers find the combination of music and background information to be enjoyable.

However, not all readers are fully satisfied with the book. Some mention that they were expecting a greater variety of arrangements and content. They feel that the book focuses too heavily on certain popular Arlen compositions, neglecting other lesser-known but equally deserving pieces.

Moreover, a few reviewers express disappointment with the print quality of the book. They mention that the pages are thin and fragile, making it difficult to handle and raising concerns about the book's durability over time.

LeeEvansArrangesHaroldArlen BookLove MusicMastery