An analysis of the music of Gil Evans (and others)
This post is a continuation of some earlier posts about the ensemble harmonies in Boplicity. Check out them out here and here. An interesting feature of this section (like the part before it) is that it is entirely new to the piece. The shout chorus does resemble some parts from the original harmony in the … Continue reading Harmony #5 – Boplicity Shout Chorus
This post continues on from the last post about Gil's use of the Tuba. Tuba Doublings Gil often doubles the tuba with other bass instruments. Typically this is to add weight and strength to the bass line and to underpin the ensemble. Doubling with Contrabass Bess, You Is My Woman Now - Bars 14 & … Continue reading Orchestration #7 – Tuba B
Tuba was a common addition to the jazz orchestra for Gil Evans. Most interestingly, he often used it as a solo instrument or as a prominent counterpoint to the melody. From Kennan & Grantham's Technique of Orchestration: For such a large instrument the tuba is perhaps more agile than might be expected. Though there are … Continue reading Orchestration #7 – Tuba A
In this post about harmony I'll be exploring Gil's use of triads with an "added note". We tend to hear a triad as a complete harmonic "unit", so when another note is added that isn't typical it has a compelling sound or dissonance. Las Vegas Tango - Introduction The most obvious use of this technique … Continue reading Harmony #4 – Triads B
The next couple of posts will be about Gil's use of the triad (major and minor). Evans was known for his rich and lush harmonies, but he often used a simple triad for harmonization or a simple musical idea. Prelude to So What Not everyone knows that this introduction was written by Gil. It's a … Continue reading Harmony #4 – Triads A
Gil's masterful arrangement of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez - Adagio Mvt. was one of the first of his works that I heard and fell in love with. Even though the original is quite a famous piece it was the Sketches of Spain version that I heard first. Miles' playing is superb throughout, not only imitating … Continue reading Re-composition #2 – Concierto de Aranjuez A
Use of Oboe in ensemble passages When the Oboe is used in ensemble passages, consideration of its positioning is required so that the Oboe does not dominate the timbre. However, when an 'edge' is needed in the phrase, the Oboe placed as the lead instrument or toward the upper range in the voicing can be … Continue reading Orchestration #6 – Oboe B
