Composer

:

Duke Ellington

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Popular

Compose Date

:

1933

Average_duration

:

4:03

'Sophisticated Lady' is a jazz standard composed by Duke Ellington in 1932. The song was premiered by Ellington's orchestra at the Cotton Club in Harlem, New York City. The song has since become one of Ellington's most famous compositions and has been covered by numerous artists. The song is a slow, melancholic ballad that features a haunting melody played by the saxophone and trumpet. The song is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which gives it a unique and sophisticated sound. The song is also notable for its use of the "Ellington Effect," which is a technique where the melody is played by one instrument while the rest of the band plays a different rhythm. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement features the saxophone playing the melody, accompanied by the piano and drums. The second movement features the trumpet playing the melody, accompanied by the saxophone and bass. The third movement features the saxophone and trumpet playing the melody together, accompanied by the piano and drums. The lyrics of the song were written by Mitchell Parish and describe a woman who is elegant and refined, but also lonely and sad. The lyrics add to the melancholic mood of the song and give it a sense of depth and emotion. Overall, 'Sophisticated Lady' is a masterpiece of jazz composition that showcases Ellington's unique style and musical genius. The song's haunting melody, sophisticated harmonies, and emotional lyrics have made it a timeless classic that continues to be loved and admired by jazz fans around the world.

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