"What is This Thing Called Love?" is more than just a song; it's a jazz standard that has captivated audiences for generations. Its enduring popularity stems from Cole Porter's masterful songwriting, creating a melody both hauntingly beautiful and surprisingly complex, ripe for improvisation. This post will explore the lead sheet itself, its history, and its enduring impact on music.
What Makes a Lead Sheet Different From Other Music Notations?
A lead sheet is a simplified form of musical notation. Unlike a full orchestral score, it primarily focuses on the melody, harmony, and chord changes. It's designed to be easily digestible for musicians, particularly instrumentalists, allowing them to learn and improvise on the song quickly. "What is This Thing Called Love?" lead sheets typically feature:
- Melody: The main vocal or instrumental tune.
- Chords: The underlying harmonies, usually expressed in Roman numerals or chord symbols (e.g., Cm7, Fmaj7).
- Rhythm: While not always explicitly detailed, the basic rhythmic structure is implied.
Essentially, a lead sheet acts as a blueprint, providing the essential musical building blocks for interpretation.
What is the History Behind "What is This Thing Called Love?"?
Cole Porter, a renowned composer and lyricist, wrote "What is This Thing Called Love?" in 1929. Initially featured in the Broadway revue Fifty Million Frenchmen, it quickly gained traction, showcasing Porter's unique ability to blend sophisticated harmonies with catchy melodies. The song's success transcended its theatrical origins, becoming a jazz standard adopted and adapted by countless musicians across various genres. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatable exploration of love's complexities, a theme resonating across cultures and generations.
Where Can I Find a "What is This Thing Called Love?" Lead Sheet?
Numerous resources offer lead sheets for "What is This Thing Called Love?". Online music retailers, sheet music libraries, and even some free websites provide versions suitable for various instruments and skill levels. Searching online using the song title and "lead sheet" or "chord chart" should yield plenty of results. Remember to check the legitimacy of the source to ensure accuracy.
What are the Common Key Signatures for "What is This Thing Called Love?"?
While the original key might vary across different arrangements, "What is This Thing Called Love?" is often performed in keys that suit the singer's or instrumentalist's vocal or instrumental range. Common keys include C minor and other related keys, allowing for flexibility in performance.
How Difficult is it to Play "What is This Thing Called Love?" on an Instrument?
The difficulty of playing "What is This Thing Called Love?" depends on several factors, including the chosen instrument, the arrangement used, and the player's skill level. The melody itself isn't exceptionally challenging, but the underlying harmony and chord progressions can require a decent grasp of music theory, especially for improvisation. Beginner-level lead sheets exist, while more advanced versions allow for greater exploration of the song's harmonic richness.
Is There a Specific Style Associated with "What is This Thing Called Love?"?
"What is This Thing Called Love?" is heavily associated with the jazz genre, particularly its Great American Songbook era. Many versions showcase elements of swing, bebop, and other jazz styles, reflecting the song's adaptability and its frequent inclusion in jazz repertoire. However, the song has also been covered in other genres, demonstrating its versatility beyond jazz.
In conclusion, "What is This Thing Called Love?" remains a timeless piece of music, whose enduring popularity is reflected in the wide availability of its lead sheets. Its melodic beauty, complex harmonies, and universal themes ensure that it will continue to inspire and captivate musicians and audiences alike for years to come.
