Composer

:

Henry Mancini

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

2:53

"Baby Elephant Walk" is a popular instrumental composition by Henry Mancini, which was composed in 1961. The piece was written for the 1962 film "Hatari!", which was directed by Howard Hawks and starred John Wayne. The film is set in Africa and follows a group of animal trappers who capture wild animals for zoos. The composition is a light-hearted and playful tune that captures the essence of the film's comedic and adventurous tone. It is characterized by its catchy melody, which is played on a variety of instruments, including the clarinet, trumpet, and trombone. The piece also features a prominent use of percussion, including bongos, congas, and a marimba, which gives it a distinct African feel. "Baby Elephant Walk" is a single movement piece that is approximately two and a half minutes long. It begins with a simple melody played on the clarinet, which is then joined by the rest of the orchestra. The piece then builds in intensity, with the percussion becoming more prominent and the melody becoming more complex. The piece reaches its climax with a lively and energetic section that features a call-and-response between the brass and woodwind sections. The composition premiered in the film "Hatari!" in 1962 and quickly became a hit. It was released as a single and reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The piece has since become one of Mancini's most popular compositions and has been used in numerous films, television shows, and commercials. Overall, "Baby Elephant Walk" is a fun and upbeat composition that captures the spirit of adventure and excitement. Its catchy melody and use of African-inspired percussion make it a memorable and iconic piece of music that has stood the test of time.

More....