Solitude

Question 1

Structure?

Answer 1

• 32 bar song form AABA.4/4
• Repeat of bridge and verse 3 after a short link.

Question 2

Arrangement?

Answer 2

• Intro has muted trumpet and clarinet duet, first together in parallel 3rds and then in dialogue. Sustained sax chords accompany. Gentle on beat accomp. from rhythm.
• Orchestra included trumpet, alto and tenor sax, piano, bass and drums.
• Sustained sax chords continue under Holiday’s vocals. Occasional interjections from clarinet and trumpet with brief decorative phrases.
• From verse 3 piano and sax have subtle countermelodies.
• Bridge repeat gives the piano a more prominent role, with just rhythm section underneath.
• Verse 3 repeat had a subdued feel. Holiday’s vocal dominates.

Question 3

Melody and Rhythm?

Answer 3

• Steady onbeat accompaniment with sustained chords underpins Holiday’s flexible, expressive melodies.
• Phrases usually rise then fall as if resigned.
• Vocal melody is mainly conjunct with some disjunct falling intervals.
• Verse: languid melody long phrases with few words. Bridge: has shorter, more rhythmic phrases (AAB pattern)

Question 4

Harmony and tonality?

Answer 4

• Tonic is Ab major.
• From start chord changes are frequently chromatic.
• Bridge begins on the subdominant chord of Db.
• Added notes and chord extensions are common – adding harmonic complexity.
• With exception of chromatic passing chords, the harmonic rhythm is steady, with changes every half-bar.

Question 5

Texture and instrumentation?

Answer 5

• No strings in the arrangement.
• Prominent melodic role for trumpet and clarinet who work as a pair either in parallel or question and answer.
• Melody-dominated homophony, with a steady rhythm section.
• Piano part has a lot of interesting, decorative improvisation – Ellington was a gifted pianist.