Short Description: The sheet music is a flexible arrangement of "La
Mer" (Charles Trenet) for orchestra out of the album "La mer",
incl. lyrics
and chord symbols. Arranged very close to the original recording.
Licensed Territory: worldwide
Instrumentation: Orchestra & Choir
Instruments: Vocal, Choir, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet,
Trombone, Piano, Guitar, Harp, Violin, Viola, Violoncello,
Double Bass
Instrumentation Details: Flexible instrumentation for orchstra & choir, the details you find below in "Songfacts". Harp with glissandi and harp pedal.
Interpreter: Charles Trenet
Music and Words by: Charles Trenet / Albert Abraham Lasry
Level: 3 (of 5)
Pages: 65 (19 score + 46 parts)
Order No. 101-955-8012d
Guarantee: yes
Video: Please click on the video icon above!
Songfacts:
La Mer is one of the most famous pieces by Charles Trenet. It was published in 1946 and has been interpreted time and again up to the present day. There are at least 400 different versions. The piece has also spread into the English-speaking world, partly as the French original, partly under the title Beyond the Sea. Among the English versions the interpretations by Bobby Darin from the early 60s and George Benson from the 80s are particularly well-known. It also features in the soundtrack of a whole range of motion pictures among many others: Finding Nemo, The Dreamers (Bernardo Bertolucci) and Mr. Bean’s Holiday (see video above).
According to Charles Trenet (1913-2001) La Mer was created three years before its publication and was considered too little “swing” for a hit, which is why it remained in the drawer for the time being. In fact, it is noticeable that the vocals are performed in the swing, while the orchestra is playing the eighth notes evenly. This is also reflected in the jazzinotes edition. As a result, the character of the piece varies between American swing and European chanson or orchestral piece. This is perhaps the very characteristic of the sea: it borders on different countries and cultures. The philosophy behind the lyrics is closely related to the "mediterranean" philosophy of Albert Camus.
The jazzinotes edition is arrangemd very close to the original recording and sounds absolutely fantastic. Here comes the recommendation concerning the instrumentation as published on page 23 of the score:
This Arrangement tries to support you in your instrumentation. It is very flexible:
-
You may replace or support the „Lead Vocal“ by an instrument: „Lead
Melody in C“ (e.g. Strings), „Lead Melody in Bb“ (e.g. Trumpet), „Lead
Melody in Eb“ (e.g. Alto Saxophone).
- You may replace „Alto Saxophone 1 in Eb“ and „Alto Saxophone 2 in Eb“ by „Clarinet 3 in Bb“ and „Clarinet 4 in Bb“.
- You may replace the woodwinds by synthetic woodwinds (Synthesizer): Use „Woodwinds“ in two staves.
- The harp may be played by the piano.
- The piano may be omitted. In this case the guitar should play in the intro.
- The guitar chords may be played by another chord instrument like accordion or synthesizer.
-
The strings „Violin I“, „Violin II“, „Viola“ and „Violoncello“ may be
replaced (or partly replaced) by synthetic strings. For this you find
the part „Strings“ in two staves.
- Also the double bass may be replaced by electric bass or synth. bass.
Transposition:
We can transpose this score for you. This is how it works:
1. Order it in the original version.
2. Order our article „Transposition A“
3. Send an informal email to info@jazzinotes.com (subject: “Transposition”).
In the text of the email please indicate title ofthe original as well as the
key desired.
You’ll receive the transposition within a couple of days asa pdf-file you can open using your password for the original version.