Summertime: Structural & Harmonic Analysis
A seven measure transition from "Jasbo Brown Blues" serves as the introduction to the opening aria "Summertime," whose overall structure is that of a double period in b minor. While each antecedent phrase is 8 mm. long, each consequent phrase is slightly longer, with extended cadential material lengthening the phrases. Following the second period is a brief coda that serves to transition to the next section within the opera (mm. 45 - 46). (Full analysis here.)
Further points of musical interest are as follows:
Further points of musical interest are as follows:
- The parallel minor 6th chords in the opening phrase (mm. 8 - 11) and throughout connote a whole tone scale and its related harmony. This is further cemented with the usage of said scale in mm. 19 and 37 in the accompanying piano part, and augmented dominant chords (mm. 7, 23, 25).
- Gershwin evades finality of the phrase by concluding each period with a deceptive cadence in the relative key of D major (mm. 20 - 22 and 38 -40), a temporary tonicization which he further prolongs in mm. 40 - 42.
- Gershwin uses a tri-tone substitution (bII →I) for a dramatic and firm return to the tonic (mm. 15 - 16 and 33 - 34) which he then reverses in mm. 43 - 44.