Week 4 Blog Post -- Ornithology
The piece "Ornithology" is a highly
energetic jazz standard written by saxophonist Charlie Parker and trumpeter
Benny Harris and first recorded in 1946. The piece features a driving
percussion section as well as virtuosic sax, trumpet, and keyboard solos. For
stretches in between these solos, the brass and sax sections play in unison or
in harmony with each other. Like many jazz pieces, “Ornithology” features a good
deal of syncopation, giving the piece a lot of rhythmic color.
The name “Ornithology” is quite fitting for this
piece, as the word “ornithology” refers to the scientific study of birds.
Birds, much like this piece, give a carefree and energetic impression as they soar
through the sky. I can’t help but think of birds taking flight and floating
through the sky when I listen to this piece.
When I was reading about the history of this piece, I learned that its name is a reference to Parker’s nickname “Bird.” I also learned that this piece is a contrafact, meaning that it is a piece based on a prior work. In this case, “Ornithology” is based on the chord progression of another jazz standard named “How High the Moon” by Morgan Lewis and Nancy Hamilton. This practice is apparently very common in jazz, which I didn’t know before reading about this piece.
https://open.spotify.com/track/7s1fLxwhmKa6VDNqzJzOsE?si=1eeedd6cab654685
This was probably one of the best song critiques I've read yet. I think doing research about the song and the artist is so valuable because you can learn about who they are and why these songs mean something to them or in general. Honestly when I first listened to this song it wasn't my favorite. I can definitely appreciate the instruments and what they bring to the piece. After reading your review for the song I can say that I actually do like this song. I loved the bird concept! I completely agree that it is a song about birds! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour analysis of this song is incredible! I love that you took the time to look at the history behind this song and share it! I loved this song. I have always had a place in my heart for upbeat music, especially jazz, and this song fits perfectly! I found it very interesting that there are so many instruments played. I never really take the time to piece together just how much goes into a song, so your input was super helpful!
ReplyDeleteLoved your connection to the meaning of ornithology to the feel and lightness of the song. Birds are always, or at least always seem, very energetic which definitely apart of this song. Love that you did some back ground on the song to get some inside information on where the song derived from. Your analysis is very thorough and gives us listeners/ readers a better view of the song. Good job.
ReplyDeleteLove your Blog! beautiful words!
ReplyDelete