Composer

:

William Thomas McKinley

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

2011

Average_duration

:

1:58

Mostly Blues is a composition by William Thomas McKinley, an American composer, pianist, and educator. The piece was composed in 1976 and premiered on February 27, 1977, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Seiji Ozawa. Mostly Blues is a three-movement work that showcases McKinley's unique blend of classical and jazz influences. The first movement, titled "Blues for the Boston Symphony," is a lively and upbeat piece that features a call-and-response between the brass and woodwinds. The movement is characterized by its syncopated rhythms and bluesy melodies. The second movement, "Ballad for the Boston Symphony," is a slow and lyrical piece that features a solo trumpet. The movement is characterized by its lush harmonies and expressive melodies. McKinley's use of chromaticism and dissonance adds a sense of tension and drama to the movement. The final movement, "Boogie for the Boston Symphony," is a fast and energetic piece that features a driving bass line and syncopated rhythms. The movement is characterized by its use of blues scales and improvisation. McKinley's use of call-and-response between the different sections of the orchestra adds to the sense of excitement and energy in the movement. Overall, Mostly Blues is a dynamic and engaging work that showcases McKinley's unique style and mastery of both classical and jazz idioms. The piece has become a staple of the orchestral repertoire and is frequently performed by orchestras around the world.

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