Extremely scarce AMQS of the opening four measures of one of the most celebrated and instantly recognizable works by the important American jazz composer, bandleader and pianist who remains the most significant composer of the genre. Four measures in pencil, signed "Duke Ellington" on 5.7 x 4 inch (14.3 x 10.5 cm) album sheet, carefully tipped along upper edge to window mat (easily removed) and in very fine condition. Originally obtained in Vienna, Austria in 1973 by Joseph Vasica, who served as Ellington's German translator during the visit.
Autograph musical quotations from Ellington are seldom encountered; the present uninscribed example, from one of his most famous works, is a true prize.
The American standard “Caravan” (1936) was composed Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol (1900-1984) and first released on the Variety Records label in December 1936, where the Duke’s Men recording rose to #4 on the pop charts by June 1937. The minor key melody created for “Caravan” forms a perennial favorite, evocative, lively and memorable, enhanced by Ellington’s arrangement.
“Caravan” was popular with a number of big bands in the 1930s, including Bunny Berigan and Benny Goodman, then morphed into a vehicle for drummers in the 1950s. The song appeared in several movies (“Alice” in 1990, “Sweet and Lowdown” in 1999, “Chocolat” in 2000 and “Ocean’s Eleven” in 2001). Irving Mills’ lyrics are sometimes used, but most of the 350-plus recordings are instrumental.
Juan Tizol met Duke Ellington soon after moving from Puerto Rico to Washington, D. C. in 1920, while playing in the band at the Howard Theatre. As the first significant valve trombone jazz player he spent years with Ellington as trombonist and arranger. He later worked with Harry James before returning to the Ellington Orchestra.
Extremely scarce AMQS of the opening four measures of one of the most celebrated and instantly recognizable works by the important American jazz composer, bandleader and pianist who remains the most significant composer of the genre. Four measures in pencil, signed "Duke Ellington" on 5.7 x 4 inch (14.3 x 10.5 cm) album sheet, carefully tipped along upper edge to window mat (easily removed) and in very fine condition. Originally obtained in Vienna, Austria in 1973 by Joseph Vasica, who served as Ellington's German translator during the visit.
Autograph musical quotations from Ellington are seldom encountered; the present uninscribed example, from one of his most famous works, is a true prize.
The American standard “Caravan” (1936) was composed Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol (1900-1984) and first released on the Variety Records label in December 1936, where the Duke’s Men recording rose to #4 on the pop charts by June 1937. The minor key melody created for “Caravan” forms a perennial favorite, evocative, lively and memorable, enhanced by Ellington’s arrangement.
“Caravan” was popular with a number of big bands in the 1930s, including Bunny Berigan and Benny Goodman, then morphed into a vehicle for drummers in the 1950s. The song appeared in several movies (“Alice” in 1990, “Sweet and Lowdown” in 1999, “Chocolat” in 2000 and “Ocean’s Eleven” in 2001). Irving Mills’ lyrics are sometimes used, but most of the 350-plus recordings are instrumental.
Juan Tizol met Duke Ellington soon after moving from Puerto Rico to Washington, D. C. in 1920, while playing in the band at the Howard Theatre. As the first significant valve trombone jazz player he spent years with Ellington as trombonist and arranger. He later worked with Harry James before returning to the Ellington Orchestra.