Opus No. 1

Updated on Jan 27, 2024

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"Opus No. 1" is a popular song, composed in 1943 by Sy Oliver, with lyrics by Sid Garris. The tune is often titled "Opus One", or "Opus #1". It has become a standard song in the swing, jazz and big band repertoire.

The song was a big hit for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 1944.

Recorded versions

The song was first recorded (in stereo) for the film Broadway Rhythm in late 1943 but was cut before the film's release and therefore unreleased.

Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra (recorded November 14, 1944, released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number 20-1608, with the flip side "I Dream of You (More than You Dream I Do), re-released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number 20-2008, with the flip side "Chicago")

Ted Heath and his Orchestra, London 1945. Heath used Opus One as a second signature tune, and his band would open countless broadcasts and concerts with the tune for the next 20 years. Heath's staff arranger Johnny Keating wrote a new concert arrangement of Opus One in 1957 for the LP "Ted Heath Recalls The Fabulous Dorseys” on Decca. This arrangement also appears on the Decca LPs “Ted Heath 21st Anniversary Album” De LK 4903 LK 4224 and “Swing is King Volume 1” De LK 4911

Gene Krupa and his orchestra (vocal: Anita O'Day; recorded August 21, 1945, released by Columbia Records as catalog number 37224, with the flip side "Valse Triste")

The Mills Brothers (recorded September 17, 1954, released by Decca Records as catalog number 29496, with the flip side "Yes You Are")

Harry James recorded a version in 1962 on his album The Solid Gold Trumpet Of Harry James (MGM E-4058)

Ralph Burns and his orchestra recorded it for Martin Scorsese's film New York, New York (1977).

Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra recorded a version that was used in Woody Allen's film "Radio Days." (1987)

The Boston Pops Orchestra recorded a version with then-conductor, now laureate the famous movie-score composer John Williams in 1991.

References

Opus No. 1 Wikipedia

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