2. “Take the ‘A’ Train”

3. w Composed by Billy Strayhorn for the Duke Ellington Band w 1941 w Presented by: w Joyce Miles and Kim Olsen w August 12, 1999

4. Aesthetic Analysis w Form w Binary (2 part form) w Repeated Notes in AABA pattern

5. Rhythm w Tempo is vivace w Con moto w Meter is 4 beats per measure w “Walking Bass” creates steady beat

6. w Mezzoforte w Constant sound - no empty spaces w Dimenuendo at end of piece Dynamics

7. Melody w Homophony - One main melody w “Happy” w Consonance - only one instance of dissonance

8. Historical Context w Harlem Renaissance w Between WWI & WWII w Northern Movement of African Americans w Destination Harlem w Arts Flourished w Cotton Club

9. Factors for Success w Fertile spirit of times w “Jazz Age” w CBS w New Sounds...

10. New Sounds - Muted Trumpets

11. Biographical Context w Duke Ellington began as a visual artist w Created pictures w “See” with Sound

12. Our Critical Interpretation: Meanings

13. Our Critical Interpretation: Meaning w “Walking Bass” and snare drum brushes w Synergy of trumpet, saxophone and trombones w Sounds move forward together w Saxophones carry melody in “A”& “B” w Muted trumpets complement w Little dissonance w Brass instruments - train’s horns w Dimenuendo at end - rolling away

14. Choices and Meanings Affected by Historical and Biographical Context w Song Gives Directions w “Walking Bass” and Steady Rhythm w Swinging Down the Tracks w Happy Melody w Anticipating the spectacle of Harlem w Mutes created smooth ride

15. Critical Interpretation by Others of “The ‘A’ Train” w Liked making musical pictures of things w Trumpet solo made jazz history w Trumpet trades places with Trombone w Heavily imitated; never replicated

16. Educational Interpretation w Lesson Plan w Listening Guide w 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.

17. Duke Ellington’s Music

18. All Aboard!