Zodiac Suite: Aquarius

Mary Lou Williams
Piece Duration: 2:53

About this Piece

Program Note: "Zodiac Suite was the first orchestral program Mary Lou Williams composed in her own name, originally produced in 1945, but never performed by a full orchestra in her lifetime; her largest arrangement was also limited to a much smaller 45-instrument grouping. 

The Zodiac Suite explores varying eras and musical styles, with Williams referencing beloved artists and influences in her life grouped under their respective astrological signs. Aquarius is dedicated to Eartha Kitt (jazz singer, actress), Josh White (jazz singer, guitarist, songwriter)." - Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Arrangement: Originally performed as a piano piece - https://youtu.be/NgfaeuGrBNU

Featured Movements:
-Aries
-Taurus
-Gemini
-Cancer
-Libra
-Scorpio
-Sagittarius 
-Capricorn
-Aquarius

Notable Passages

Time Stamp: 0:29 — 1:15
Description:

The music modulates back and forth, between Ab Major and D Major! Then at 1:01, the music barrels down to Db Major!

  • Listen to your teacher play an Ab major chord on the piano
  • Listen to your teacher play a D Major chord on the piano
  • Listen to the modulations in the Notable Passage

Keywords: Modulation - Composition Technique , Modulation - Harmony

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