"What is This Thing Called Love?" isn't just a song; it's a timeless standard that's captivated audiences for generations. This exploration delves into the history, structure, and enduring appeal of its lead sheet, a crucial document for musicians. We'll unravel its complexities and explore why it remains a staple in jazz, pop, and beyond.
What Makes a Lead Sheet for "What is This Thing Called Love?" Unique?
The lead sheet for "What is This Thing Called Love?" presents a unique challenge and reward for musicians. Its deceptively simple melody belies a harmonic richness that allows for incredible improvisation and interpretation. The key elements that contribute to its unique character include:
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The Melody: Cole Porter's melody is instantly recognizable and effortlessly memorable. Its phrasing is elegant, and the intervals create a beautiful, lyrical flow. The simplicity of the melody allows for vast interpretive freedom.
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The Harmony: This is where the lead sheet truly shines. The harmonic progressions are sophisticated and unexpected, moving beyond basic chord changes to create a sense of intrigue and emotional depth. The use of altered chords and chromaticism adds a jazzy flavor, making it ideal for improvisation.
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The Rhythm: The rhythm of the song is relatively straightforward, allowing musicians to focus on the harmonic and melodic aspects. However, the rhythmic subtleties within the melody provide opportunities for nuanced phrasing and expression.
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The Form: "What is This Thing Called Love?" typically follows a standard AABA song form, providing a clear structure for both performance and improvisation. This structure, while common, allows for creative variations and reharmonizations.
What are the Common Chord Progressions Found in the Lead Sheet?
The lead sheet uses a variety of chords, often beyond the basic major and minor triads. While the specific chords vary depending on the arrangement, common progressions often feature:
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II-V-I progressions: These fundamental jazz progressions provide a solid harmonic foundation and are frequently used throughout the song.
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Tritone substitutions: The use of tritone substitutions adds a sophisticated harmonic twist, lending a more complex and interesting sound.
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Altered chords: The inclusion of altered chords—7th chords, 9th chords, altered dominants—allows for a wider range of harmonic colors and creates opportunities for advanced improvisation.
How Can I Find a Lead Sheet for "What is This Thing Called Love?"
Numerous sources offer lead sheets for "What is This Thing Called Love." Many online resources, music libraries, and sheet music retailers provide versions suitable for various skill levels. Searching online for "What is This Thing Called Love lead sheet" will yield a multitude of results. Remember to check the quality and accuracy of the lead sheet before using it.
Is There a Specific Key or Version of the Lead Sheet I Should Look For?
The song is commonly performed in several keys, with C major being a popular choice. However, the key is largely a matter of preference and the range of the vocalist or instrument. Various arrangements exist, each offering a unique interpretation of the melody and harmony. The best version depends on your musical needs and skill level.
What are Some Tips for Playing or Improvising Over the "What is This Thing Called Love?" Lead Sheet?
Improvising over this lead sheet offers a rewarding challenge. Key tips include:
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Understand the harmony: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the chord progressions and their implied functions.
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Target the target chords: Pay attention to the target chords of the progressions (usually the I chord) to create a sense of resolution.
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Use chord scales: Improvise using scales related to each chord in the progression (e.g., major scale for major chords, minor pentatonic for minor chords).
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Explore chromaticism: The song's chromaticism provides a fertile ground for creative chromatic passing tones and approaches.
"What is This Thing Called Love?" remains a beloved standard due to its elegant melody, sophisticated harmony, and boundless potential for creative expression. Its lead sheet serves as a roadmap for musicians to explore its depth and beauty. The journey of understanding and interpreting this iconic piece is ongoing, offering a rewarding experience for musicians of all levels.
