AN ANALYSIS OF OSCAR PETERSON'S IMPROVISATION IN THE GIRL FROM IPANEMA1

Abstract

Oscar Peterson's improvisation in The Girl from Ipanema is both pleasing and musically substantial. The research article investigates his improvisation in terms of harmony, rhythm, and individual techniques. The analysis has shown that Peterson used notes from chord tones and diatonic scales to create melodic lines. He also applies the blues scale without tonal relationships between chords. His rhythmic treatment incorporates accents and grouping of notes to achieve new directions. Techniques such as upper structure, rhythmic displacement, diatonic arpeggio, hemiola, turnaround, and harmonic generalization are also present in Peterson's improvisation.