Mrs. Robinson + I Put a Spell on You

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Refraction No. 7: “Mrs. Robinson + I Put a Spell on You” by Greg Anderson, based on “Mrs. Robinson” by Paul Simon and “I Put a Spell on You” by Jay Hawkins / Full score / Difficulty: Intermediate-advanced / Duration: 4 mins / Pages: 9 / Copyright: 2016 / Work number: 087 / Appears on the album Mother: A Musical Tribute/ Spotify / Apple Music

This witty four-hand mashup pairs Simon & Garfunkel’s classic hit with Nina Simone’s “I Put a Spell on You.” Opening with an extended fantasy on Simone’s iconic song, the arrangement then pivots into a samba-infused setting of “Mrs. Robinson,” while both melodies reappear throughout in fragments and sly musical references.

The duet offers performers abundant opportunities for theatrical interaction. Sharing a single bench, the pianists become characters in a miniature stage scene: the secondo part assumes the role of the irresistible Mrs. Robinson while the primo player finds themselves on the receiving end of her attention, reacting to the situation with anything from coy amusement to comic panic.

Combining jazz-inspired writing, contrapuntal interplay between familiar melodies, four-hand choreography, and a healthy dose of musical mischief, this early-advanced duet makes an ideal recital encore, pops selection, or crowd-pleasing concert feature.