Composer

:

Anthony Cheung

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

2015

Average_duration

:

16:15

The Real Book of Fake Tunes is a contemporary classical composition by Anthony Cheung, a composer and pianist based in New York City. The piece was composed in 2015 and premiered on March 5, 2016, by the Talea Ensemble at the Miller Theatre in New York City. The Real Book of Fake Tunes is a three-movement work that explores the concept of "fake tunes," which are melodies that sound familiar but are actually original compositions. The first movement, titled "Real Book," is a tribute to the famous jazz fake book of the same name. The movement features a series of short, fragmented melodies that are reminiscent of jazz standards but are actually original compositions by Cheung. The second movement, titled "Fake Book," is a playful exploration of the concept of fake tunes. The movement features a series of short, catchy melodies that sound like they could be from popular songs but are actually original compositions by Cheung. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and unexpected harmonic shifts. The third and final movement, titled "Lead Sheet," is a nod to the traditional format of jazz lead sheets, which provide a basic outline of a song's melody and chord progression. The movement features a series of short, improvisational sections that are based on a simple melody and chord progression. The movement is characterized by its use of extended techniques, such as flutter-tonguing and multiphonics, which create a unique and otherworldly sound. Overall, The Real Book of Fake Tunes is a playful and inventive exploration of the concept of fake tunes. The piece showcases Cheung's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both familiar and original.

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