{"value"=>"<p>Sonny Rollins's music manuscripts document a lifetime of disciplined practice and a constant quest for improvement. They consist of practice material and sketches compiled by Rollins from the early 1950s through 2012; compositions and arrangements by Rollins and others, some used on recording sessions; annotated method books; and published sheet music.</p> <p>The accumulated written evidence of Rollins's practice regimen is rare and extensive to see from an improvising musician. These materials include harmonic and melodic exercises, saxophone exercises, exercises on chord progressions, and occasional written notes on the material. These notes include discussion of personal development and philosophy, and are similar to personal writings found separate from the music manuscripts (in Series II). The practice materials also contain melodic sketches, fully-conceived compositions in the form of lead sheets, lead sheets for music by other people, and set lists.</p> <p>Within the practice exercises, on occasion, Rollins will articulate principles, but also question their validity. In one example from 1964 (in box 1, folder 1), he outlines an idea regarding superimposition of major chords, but he questions whether it is \"an evolution of hearing\" or \"a temporary preference of the day.\" On the same page, he also quotes himself: \"It's sacriligeous to worry.\" In other cases, exercises on chord progressions will have notes on how to arrange a song for performance, or specific instructions for musicians (identified by name). While such prose elaboration on particular exercises is present, most of the practice material is written as music notation without further explanation. Further insights into Rollins's practice regimen can gleaned from recorded practice sessions in Series VI.</p> <p>Most of the finished compositions are arranged under Rollins's name or under \"By Others.\" Compositions by Rollins include the scores and parts for <span class=\"title\">Concerto for Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra</span> (1985-1986, orchestrated by Rollins in collaboration with Heikki Sarmanto). The scores for the <span class=\"title\">Concerto</span> include Rollins's sketches, and letters from and notes by Sarmanto. Also present are sketches and lead sheets for compositions recorded by Rollins; and transcriptions of Rollins saxophone solos by Jeb Patton and others.</p> <p>Work by other composers consists of lead sheets, arrangements for small groups, and big band arrangements. Notable items include arrangements by Kenny Dorham for tenor saxophone and big band (written for Rollins), and small group arrangements by Paul Jeffrey, Jimmy Heath, Dizzy Reece, and Jimmy Jones.</p> <p>A few of the compositions and arrangements are organized under Recording Projects by the name of the released recording. These include Rollins's music for the film <span class=\"title\">Alfie</span> (1966, arranged by Oliver Nelson), and arrangements by Ernie Wilkins for the album <span class=\"title\">Sonny Rollins and the Big Brass</span> (1958).</p> <p>Rollins collected published sheet music throughout his career, including many songs he performed and recorded. They include material from Broadway shows, films, and popular hits. Some of the published songs contain his annotations.</p>"}