Davis - Circle

Question 1

Context

Answer 1

• Composed by Davis

- 1966

Question 2

Performers

Answer 2

Miles Davis - Trumpet
Wayne Shorter - Tenor Sax
Herbie Hancock - Piano
Ron Carter - Bass
Tony Williams - Drums

Question 3

Form

Answer 3

• A complex elastic waltz form - stretching or compressing during a solo.
• Certain structural harmonies signal the soloist and the listener and guide the flow of music
• There are two major phrases in the piece

Question 4

Phrase 1

Answer 4

• Consists of 10 bars
• Opening on the harmonic D Minor, a transitory middle, and a rise to C (usually Major)
• Dm opening, Bb Eb D B Transition, C closing
• The chords of the transition may vary

Question 5

Phrase 2

Answer 5

• Consists of 8 - 20 + Bars
• The first statement of this phrase is twelve bars long and has three main traits: a rising pattern (G-G# - A) that falls to F, a section that cadences to D, and a final two measures that provide a turn around (E-A) to the beginning D.
• The piece circles over and over, with each complete pattern being different to the last
• FIRST TIME: G G# A F opening, A D Middle to D, B for two bars, then E A turn around
• SECOND TIME: G G# A F opening, A D Middle to D, G F Bb, Then E A
• To obscure the form even further wayne shorter starts his tenor solo immediately after Davis ends his in the middle of the second phrase.