The Summer Knows (Theme from “Summer of ’42”) Orchestra Arrangement
The Summer Knows orchestra arrangement by Bill Fulton was created in 2003 for a Nortel Networks presentation at the Palm Springs International Film Festival honoring composer Michel Legrand. The arrangement brought Legrand’s celebrated film theme into a live orchestral setting for the special event.
Michel Legrand composed “The Summer Knows” as the main theme for the 1971 film Summer of ’42. Its memorable melody appears throughout the film score and became closely associated with the picture. Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman later supplied lyrics, helping the theme develop a life beyond the original film.
Arranging Michel Legrand for Orchestra
Legrand’s music combines memorable melody with sophisticated harmony. Therefore, arranging one of his best-known themes for orchestra requires careful attention to both elements. The melody must remain clear, while the surrounding orchestral writing should support its emotional character rather than overwhelm it.
Fulton prepared this orchestral arrangement specifically for the 2003 award presentation. As a result, the project differed from a standard commercial arrangement or recording assignment. The music needed to function within a live event while also recognizing the work of the composer being honored.
“The Summer Knows” is particularly suited to orchestral treatment because of its lyrical shape and expressive harmonic movement. Moreover, the piece allows an arranger to use changes in texture, register and dynamics to develop the melody while preserving its familiar identity.
Theme from Summer of ’42
The original film score helped establish “The Summer Knows” as one of Legrand’s recognizable movie themes. The composition later received numerous vocal and instrumental interpretations by jazz and popular artists. Consequently, the melody has continued to reach audiences well beyond the film itself.
Legrand enjoyed a long career as a composer, arranger, conductor and pianist. His work crossed film music, jazz and popular song. More information about his career and recordings can be found at the Miles Davis official website’s Michel Legrand profile.
Bill Fulton Orchestral Arranging
This project is part of Bill Fulton’s work as an arranger and orchestrator for live performances, recordings and special events. His arranging portfolio includes music for orchestra, chamber ensembles, big bands and smaller instrumental groups.
Explore additional projects in Bill Fulton’s arranging and composing portfolio, including orchestral, string, jazz and commercial music assignments.
Year: 2003
Job Category: Arranger
Title: “The Summer Knows” (Theme from Summer of ’42)
Ensemble: Orchestra
Client: Nortel Networks
Project: Palm Springs International Film Festival award presentation honoring Michel Legrand
Job Category: Arranger
Title: "The Summer Knows" (Theme from "Summer of '42")
Ensemble: orchestra
Client: Nortel Networks
Description: 2003 Nortel Networks Palm Springs International Film Festival award presentation Michel Legrand
Get arrangement: link to arrangement (pending)
