“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 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...

New Sounds - Muted Trumpets

Biographical Context

Duke Ellington began as a visual artist Created pictures “See” with Sound

Our Critical Interpretation:Meanings

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.

Duke Ellington’s Music

All Aboard!