Puttin' On the Ritz
Composer: Irving Berlin
Arranger: Hart Morris
Octaves Handbell: 5
Octaves Handchimes: n/a
Level: 5
This Irving Berlin hit from the late 1920s was featured in a film and was quite a hit! The title – Puttin’ On the Ritz – comes from the phrase meaning to ‘dress very fashionably,’ and that is exactly what Hart Morris has done with this piece. While being faithful to the original tune, he has dressed it in an amazingly ritzy yet elegant musical fashion. Brilliant use of a variety of stopped sounds, jazz improve-style sections in the lower bells, riffs and jazz-style accented notes are just some of the highlights. The last section has a ‘double-time’ feel and will have your audience on their feet by the end. This is truly a ‘must-ring’ for the advanced handbell ensemble.
- Octave Ranges
- 5-7 Octaves
- Themes
- Americana
Big Band and Dance
Concert
Festivals
Jazz, blues
Rhythmic
School and Youth
Secular - general usage
Soundtracks (Broadway-Movies-TV) - Level of Difficulty
- Level 5