Over a period of four decades Jimmy Webb (b. 1946) has written hits for a number of singers including Glen Campbell Art Garfunkel Frank Sinatra Willie Nelson Johnny Cash and Linda Ronstadt. His songs are often epic in character and include By the Time I Get to Phoenix; Up Up and Away; Didn’t We; Wichita Lineman and Galveston. MacArthur Park (1968) was unlike anything that had gone before it. Running at over 7 minutes it is 2 or 3 times the length of most pop songs and has an extended orchestral interlude. Richard Harris’ seminal recording topped the music charts in Europe while peaking at number two on the U.S. charts. Philip Sparkehas made this excellent arrangement for Concert Band which is sure to become a regular feature on your concert program.

Pendant plus de quarante ans Jimmy Webb (1946) a composé des chansons à succès pour divers artistes tels que Glen Campbell Art Garfunkel Frank Sinatra Willie Nelson Johnny Cash et Linda Ronstadt. En 1968 il écrit MacArthur Park une chanson complètement novatrice. D?une durée de plus de sept minutes elle est deux à trois fois plus longue que la plupart des succès pop et contient un grand interlude orchestral. La version d?anthologie de MacArthur Park interprétée et enregistrée par Richard Harris s?est classée en tête des hit-parades européens et numéro 2 aux États-Unis.