Composer

:

Benny Harris

Genre

:

Chamber

Average_duration

:

3:12

"Ornithology" is a bebop jazz standard composed by Benny Harris in 1946. The song was first recorded by Harris and his band, the Be-Boppers, in the same year. The song's title is a reference to the study of birds, and the melody is said to mimic the sound of birds in flight. The song is typically played in a fast tempo and features complex chord changes and improvisation. It is often performed as an instrumental, although lyrics have been added by various artists over the years. The song's structure is based on the standard 32-bar AABA form, with each section featuring different chord progressions. The first movement of "Ornithology" features a fast-paced melody played by the horns, with the rhythm section providing a driving beat. The second movement features a more subdued melody, with the horns playing in unison and the rhythm section providing a more laid-back groove. The third movement returns to the fast-paced melody of the first movement, with the horns and rhythm section building to a frenzied climax. One of the defining characteristics of "Ornithology" is its use of complex chord changes and harmonic substitutions. The song features a number of ii-V-I progressions, as well as more unusual chord progressions such as the IV-IVm-I and the ii-V-IV-I. The song's use of these complex chord changes has made it a favorite among jazz musicians and has helped to establish it as a classic of the bebop era. "Ornithology" has been covered by numerous jazz musicians over the years, including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its status as a classic of the bebop era and its continued relevance to jazz musicians today.

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