'Ko Ko' by Duke Ellington

Question 1

When was this piece recorded?

Answer 1

1940.

Question 2

What was Duke Ellington’s band called?

Answer 2

Duke Ellington’s Orchestra.

Question 3

How big was Duke Ellington’s orchestra?

Answer 3

About thirteen musicians, with about fifteen instruments.

Question 4

What are the stylistic features of this piece?

Answer 4

Big band swing.
Classically influenced; based around motivic development.

Question 5

What is the structure of this piece?

Answer 5

Eight bar introduction.
Seven choruses, each with solos and a unison line.
‘Crescendo’ form (increases the intensity of the music by changing tessitura, harmonic density and rhythmic activity).

Question 6

Describe the tonality/harmony of this piece.

Answer 6

Has major sixths added to minor triads.
Minor blues - very unusual.
Uses complex, densely voiced chords and chromaticisms.

Question 7

Describe the melodic writing of this piece.

Answer 7

Opening establishes antiphonal call and response idea.
Final chorus is a ‘shout’ chorus due to its climactic ensemble writing.
Walking bass differs between diatonic and non-diatonic - sort of stride like.

Question 8

Describe the rhythm of this piece.

Answer 8

Common time (4/4).
Syncopated chords played after introduction.

Question 9

Describe the texture of this piece.

Answer 9

Polyphony in places, more so towards the end.
Call and response between varying pitches and instruments.

Question 10

Describe the sonority of this piece.

Answer 10

Trombone and brass call and response in the opening bars.