(from “The Muppet Movie”)
Words and music by Kenneth L. Ascher and Paul Williams; Arranged by Elena Fortin
Most people hear the intro of this piece and immediately picture Kermit the Frog, strumming his banjo and singing this wistful little tune. It is one of the very first music sheets that I went out and bought at our local music store. I was so excited to learn it!
Fast forward many years later and I am so happy to see it entertaining a whole new generation of people. On YouTube, Kermit uploaded a special performance of it in April 2020!
I performed a version of this as a duet with a student at a recital and it was a big hit (we even came up with our own choreography to go along with the piece)! This melody is one of those timeless and iconic pieces that will forever have a special place in my heart.
About the arrangement
My version starts out in the key of A major, and like the original modulates to B flat major. The left hand is arranged in a simple, arpeggiated/broken chord accompaniment that makes the style more pianistic. These smooth, flowing arpeggios accompany most of the piece.
The first verse is left to be fairly simple and lets the melody shine. The second verse is slightly more complex, with more harmony added to the right hand notes, and some fills that build on the melody.
The key change has more movement and signals the last verse done in a very full, orchestra-like sound that takes advantage of the breadth of the piano keyboard. The finish brings us back to a more simple arrangement–back to its’ humble beginnings!
I hope I made Kermit proud!!
Video Performance
Purchase Information
Clicking on the link below will bring you to a new site: Sheet Music Plus. This arrangement is under copyright with the ArrangeMe program by Hal Leonard.
Sheet Music Plus – The Rainbow Connection
Sheet Music Sample
