Improvisational Frames with Composed Sections and Non-Standard Works

Chapter 9 discusses non-traditional compositions. Among them is a group of pieces that have no preplanned music. Despite being entirely improvised, they were nonetheless registered as compositions. This group includes “Bird of Paradise,” which is based on the form and harmonies of “All the Things You Are” (Kern-Hammerstein), “Merry-Go-Round,” and “Leap Frog.” Also included here are two improvisational formulas extensive enough to be considered compositions: “M. 19C” and “The Famous Alto Break.” A second group includes pieces that have composed sections, such as introductions. These sections, however, are not improvised on. This latter group includes such famous works as “Ko Ko” and “Parker’s Mood.”