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“Take the ‘A’ Train”. “Take the ‘A’ Train”. Composed by Billy Strayhorn for the Duke Ellington Band 1941 Presented by: Joyce Miles and Kim Olsen August 12, 1999. Aesthetic Analysis. Form Binary (2 part form) Repeated Notes in AABA pattern. Rhythm. Tempo is vivace Con moto
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“Take the ‘A’ Train” • Composed by Billy Strayhorn for the Duke Ellington Band • 1941 • Presented by: • Joyce Miles and Kim Olsen • August 12, 1999
Aesthetic Analysis • Form • Binary (2 part form) • Repeated Notes in AABA pattern
Rhythm • Tempo is vivace • Con moto • Meter is 4 beats per measure • “Walking Bass” creates steady beat
Mezzoforte Constant sound - no empty spaces Dimenuendo at end of piece Dynamics
Melody • Homophony - One main melody • “Happy” • Consonance - only one instance of dissonance
Historical Context • Harlem Renaissance • Between WWI & WWII • Northern Movement of African Americans • Destination Harlem • Arts Flourished • Cotton Club
Factors for Success • Fertile spirit of times • “Jazz Age” • CBS • New Sounds...
Biographical Context • Duke Ellington began as a visual artist • Created pictures • “See” with Sound
Our Critical Interpretation:Meaning • “Walking Bass” and snare drum brushes • Synergy of trumpet, saxophone and trombones • Sounds move forward together • Saxophones carry melody in “A”& “B” • Muted trumpets complement • Little dissonance • Brass instruments - train’s horns • Dimenuendo at end - rolling away
Choices and Meanings Affected by Historical and Biographical Context • Song Gives Directions • “Walking Bass” and Steady Rhythm • Swinging Down the Tracks • Happy Melody • Anticipating the spectacle of Harlem • Mutes created smooth ride
Critical Interpretation by Others of “The ‘A’ Train” • Liked making musical pictures of things • Trumpet solo made jazz history • Trumpet trades places with Trombone • Heavily imitated; never replicated
Educational Interpretation • Lesson Plan • Listening Guide • History and Social Studies 6.4- The student will describe the ideas and events of the 1920’s and 1930’s, with emphasis on music, dance, entertainment, and the Harlem Renaissance.