Composer

:

Harold Arlen

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:03

"Last Night When We Were Young" is a popular song composed by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg. The song was written in 1935 and premiered the same year. It has since become a jazz standard and has been covered by numerous artists. The song is a ballad with a slow tempo and a melancholic tone. It is typically performed in a minor key, which adds to its somber mood. The lyrics describe a nostalgic longing for a past love and a time when the world seemed more innocent and carefree. The song is divided into three distinct movements. The first movement begins with a slow, mournful introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The second movement features a more upbeat tempo and a more hopeful tone, as the singer reminisces about the happy times they shared with their former lover. The final movement returns to the slow, mournful tempo of the opening, as the singer laments the loss of their love and the passing of time. One of the most distinctive characteristics of "Last Night When We Were Young" is its use of chromaticism. The melody frequently moves up or down by half-steps, creating a sense of tension and unease. This chromaticism is particularly prominent in the song's opening and closing movements. Another notable feature of the song is its use of extended harmonies. Arlen frequently employs chords that go beyond the basic triads typically found in popular music. This creates a more complex and sophisticated harmonic structure that adds to the song's emotional depth. Overall, "Last Night When We Were Young" is a hauntingly beautiful song that captures the bittersweet nostalgia of lost love and the passage of time. Its memorable melody and sophisticated harmonies have made it a beloved standard in the jazz repertoire.

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