La Mer' or 'Beyond the Sea' - the same catchy melody that has captivated people since its release. In both French and English, the title describes a longing. In the original French, it is the longing for the sea and the effect created by the waves, the reflection of the sky and this oneness with nature. In English it is romanticised by the addition of the word 'beyond': somewhere there is that one person waiting, to whom the heart leads, where the journey ends and you no longer have to sail around. Bobby Darin helped this standard to world fame in the 60s, Robbie Williams sang it in the end credits of the film 'Finding Nemo'.

This version has to do without words - no problem, as the melody is unmistakable and catchy! Everyone knows it and can hum along immediately.

The articulation is largely written out. The melody is always to be played vocally (with wide note values). The French original by Trenet can certainly be heard here. It changes through the voices (each labelled 'Lead') and should be accompanied rather discreetly by the other voices. In contrast to this is the rhythmic riff of the introduction (note the staccato!), which is taken up again at the end and which is familiar from relevant big band versions (Beyond the Sea). From part F onwards, a homophonic movement is notated, which should also be played 'big band-like' with rhythmically precise phrasing and thus forms a contrast to the parts before and after. The staccato is to be understood as short and concise, but not 'bitchy'.