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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 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!