Composer

:

Cole Porter

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Popular

Publication Date

:

Oct 1935

First Performance

:

Sep 1935

Average_duration

:

4:09

"Begin the Beguine" is a popular song composed by Cole Porter in 1935. It was first introduced in the Broadway musical Jubilee, which premiered on January 12, 1935. The song was later recorded by various artists and became a hit, especially after Artie Shaw and his orchestra recorded it in 1938. The song is known for its complex structure and unusual chord progressions. It is in the key of E-flat major and has a slow, sultry tempo. The song is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own melody and chord progression. The first section is a slow, romantic introduction, while the second section is a faster, more rhythmic dance section. The third section is a return to the slow, romantic melody of the first section. The song's lyrics are also notable for their poetic imagery and romantic themes. The opening lines, "When they begin the beguine, it brings back the sound of music so tender," evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a lost love. The lyrics go on to describe the power of music to transport the listener to another time and place. Overall, "Begin the Beguine" is a classic example of Cole Porter's sophisticated songwriting style. Its complex structure and poetic lyrics have made it a favorite of jazz musicians and singers for decades.

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