What I Did For Love

What I Did for Love rhythm arrangement by Bill Fulton is scored for 2 keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums. The five-piece instrumentation provides a full musical setting for this well-known song from A Chorus Line.

What I Did for Love Rhythm Arrangement

Marvin Hamlisch composed “What I Did for Love,” with lyrics by Edward Kleban. The song originated in the Broadway musical A Chorus Line. It later became widely performed outside the theater as a popular vocal standard.

The expressive melody calls for an accompaniment that can build without becoming too dense. Two keyboards provide considerable harmonic range. Guitar adds a separate texture, while bass and drums create the rhythmic foundation.

Scored for 2 Keyboards, Guitar, Bass and Drums

Theater songs depend heavily on melody and storytelling. Therefore, every instrumental part should support the shape of the song. This five-piece instrumentation can move from restrained passages to a much fuller sound as the arrangement develops.

Bill Fulton’s arranging and orchestration work covers many types of ensembles. Browse more of his rhythm section, big band, orchestral, and chamber projects on the Arrangements, Compositions & Commissions page.

More information about the musical is available from the Concord Theatricals page for A Chorus Line.

A Broadway Song for Five Musicians

The What I Did for Love rhythm arrangement brings the song into a compact live setting. Two keyboardists allow the harmony and supporting lines to be divided across different sounds and ranges. Guitar contributes another color, while bass and drums hold the ensemble together.

Scoring the arrangement for 2 keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums provides flexibility without requiring a large group. The five musicians can create a broad dynamic range while keeping the melody clear.

Year: 2015
Job Category: Arranger
Title: What I Did For Love
Ensemble: 2 keyboardists, guitar, bass, drums
Client: Engelbert Humperdinck
Description: co-arranger with Jeff Sturges
Get arrangement: link to arrangement (pending)