The Chorus of Sophisticated Lady, by Duke Ellington

comments:  In a basic non-embellished version of this chorus, 8 of the 12 scale-notes are used in a span of 11 tune-notes.  It's a little bit like "12-tone music" where a composer tries to use all 12 notes in succession without repeating any, but (in contrast with most 12-tone music) Ellington arranges the notes in a way that is intended to sound melodious, and it does.

transcription:  In late 2008 there will be a "visual transcription" here, showing the notes and pattern-shape of the basic melody.

music:  In late 2008, I'll edit-and-post a brief mp3 file containing part of the chorus of Sophisticated Lady, and a second file with a basic non-embellished version of the chorus melody.

Musical Improvisation — Making Music with Creativity + Theory