"Begin the Beguine" is a popular song written by American composer Cole Porter in 1935. It was originally featured in the Broadway musical Jubilee. Known for its complex musical structure, syncopated rhythm, and sophisticated lyrics, it quickly became a jazz standard and a staple of the big band era. The song's most famous rendition is the instrumental version by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra from 1938, which became a massive hit and is often credited with helping to define the sound of the Swing Era.
History and Origins
Cole Porter composed "Begin the Beguine" during a cruise around the world in 1935, specifically while sailing between Kalabahi, Indonesia, and Suva, Fiji. He wrote it for his musical Jubilee, which premiered on Broadway later that year. The song's title refers to the beguine, a dance originating in the French Caribbean islands, particularly Martinique and Guadeloupe, characterized by a slow, sensuous rhythm similar to a rumba or bolero. Porter had likely encountered or heard of the dance during his extensive travels and was inspired by its exotic allure.
Musical Structure and Characteristics
At over 100 measures, "Begin the Beguine" is exceptionally long for a popular song of its time, incorporating several distinct melodic phrases and harmonic changes, rather than adhering to a simple verse-chorus structure. It is typically performed at a rumba tempo, allowing for both a romantic feel and opportunities for improvisation. The lyrics describe the powerful and intoxicating effect of music and dance, specifically the beguine, on a returning lover, urging them to rekindle passion through the familiar melody and movement. The song's intricate arrangement and emotional depth contribute to its lasting appeal.
Notable Recordings and Performances
While successful in Jubilee, the song achieved immense popularity and enduring fame through its instrumental recordings:
- Artie Shaw and His Orchestra (1938): This version, arranged by Jerry Gray and featuring Shaw's virtuoso clarinet solo, became one of the most iconic big band recordings of all time. It spent six weeks at number one on the charts and sold millions of copies, solidifying Shaw's reputation and becoming a definitive piece of the Swing Era.
- Bing Crosby (1938): One of the earliest vocal hit versions.
- Frank Sinatra (1946): Recorded a popular vocal rendition.
- Ella Fitzgerald: Known for her sophisticated jazz interpretations, she recorded it multiple times, including for her Cole Porter Songbook.
- Other notable artists: Countless musicians have covered the song across various genres, including Julio Iglesias, Perry Como, Pete Fountain, Liberace, and even Elvis Presley in a medley.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
"Begin the Beguine" is considered one of Cole Porter's masterpieces and a cornerstone of the Great American Songbook. Its innovative structure and enduring melody have ensured its place as a perennial standard in jazz, pop, and easy listening repertoires. The Artie Shaw recording, in particular, remains a quintessential example of big band swing and continues to be featured in films, television shows, and historical documentaries as emblematic of the era. The phrase "Begin the Beguine" itself has entered popular culture as a romantic or nostalgic idiom, often invoked to suggest a return to a cherished past or the initiation of a passionate endeavor.
Etymology of "Beguine"
The term "beguine" (French: béguine) refers to a specific type of Caribbean folk dance and music originating in the French Antilles, especially Martinique and Guadeloupe. It evolved from West African rhythmic traditions blended with European ballroom dances. The dance is characterized by a sensual, swaying motion and a distinct syncopated rhythm. Cole Porter's use of the term introduced it to a wider American and international audience, popularizing an exotic dance form through his sophisticated musical composition.