Begin the Beguine Sheet Music Value Guide

This 1935 sheet music represents one of Cole Porter's most sophisticated compositions, originally written for the Broadway musical 'Jubilee'. It is highly collectible due to its status as a cornerstone of the Great American Songbook and its association with the 1930s swing era.

What affects the value of Begin the Beguine Sheet Music?

• Overall paper condition, including the presence of edge tears, foxing, or spine splits.
• The presence of owner signatures or music store stamps on the cover which can decrease value.
• Completeness of the folio, ensuring all pages of the complex musical arrangement are present.
• Historical significance of the specific printing, such as early editions predating Artie Shaw's 1938 hit version.

How to Identify Begin the Beguine Sheet Music?

• Verify the 1935 copyright date and the publisher, Harms Inc., located in New York.
• Check for the 'Jubilee' musical attribution on the front cover illustration.
• Ensure the composer credit explicitly names Cole Porter for both words and music.
• Look for the distinctive Art Deco graphic style typical of mid-1930s American sheet music.

History of Begin the Beguine Sheet Music

'Begin the Beguine' is a song written by Cole Porter for the 1935 Broadway musical 'Jubilee'. It achieved immense popularity, especially through Artie Shaw's 1938 swing big band version, becoming a classic of the Great American Songbook. Its complex structure and sophisticated melody set it apart, making it a favorite for dancers and musicians alike.