Product Description
Co-written in 1927 with his trumpet specialist of the time, "Bubber" Miley,
"Black and Tan Fantasy" would become one of Duke Ellington's most
popular tunes, one that would be associated with him throughout his
lengthy career.
"The Duke" was fascinated by the distinctive textures of individual
instruments and would contrast them, but he was more interested in
finding tones that would blend to form new, holistic effects. "Black and
Tan Fantasy" illustrates this technique magnificently: a growling
trumpet expands upon the main theme before a secondary more ethereal
theme is stated. Dissonant piano interludes are followed by muted
trombone ruminations before a conclusion that quotes liberally from Chopin's "Funeral March."
The diversity of multiple voices wailing, growling or praying while
each expresses a fullness of heart and heaviness of mind is what gives
the piece its beauty. By using African-American blues-based expressions
to hint at the unsettled state of the human soul, the Dukes orchestra
paints a "Black and Tan" fantasy.
Lot of opportunity to show off players with mutes and blues solos
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.