Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Em759.1%
Em7/D47.3%
Cmaj747.3%
Am747.3%
B7b935.5%
Cmaj7/B35.5%
Dm735.5%
F#m7b523.6%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
B7b9 -> Em7Resolution (Minor)3
F#m7b5 -> B7b9Setup (Minor Key)2
Am7 -> D7susSetup (Major Key)2
C07/G -> Gmaj7Resolution (Major)2
F#m7 -> B7b9Setup (Major Key)1
Em7 -> B7b13Setup (Major Key)1
B7b13 -> Em7Resolution (Minor)1
Em7 -> A7b9Setup (Major Key)1
A7b9 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)1
Dm7 -> A7b13Setup (Major Key)1
A7b13 -> Dm7Resolution (Minor)1
Dm7 -> G7b9Setup (Major Key)1
Em7b5 -> A7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
A7b9 -> Dm7b5Resolution (Minor)1
Dm7b5 -> G7b9Setup (Minor Key)1
G7b9 -> Cmaj7Resolution (Major)1
Dm7 -> G7Setup (Major Key)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • Employs a fundamental minor ii-V-i (F#m7b5–B7b9–Em7) to establish the E minor tonic.
  • Features step-wise descending bass movement (Em7/D to Cmaj7/B), creating sophisticated linear counterpoint typical of Mancini’s style.
  • Utilizes sudden modulatory shifts, transitioning from E minor toward D minor through secondary dominant cycles (A7b13–Dm7).
  • Incorporates dominant suspensions (D7sus) and altered tensions (b9, b13) to facilitate smooth voice-leading between shifting tonal centers.

Improvisation Focus

  • E Melodic Minor and guide-tone connecting between the parallel minor key centers.

Difficulty Rating

  • 3/5: The piece is intermediate because it requires navigating rapid minor-key modulations and maintaining harmonic clarity over a descending bass line.

📚 Standard Available in:

The Real Book - Volume VI
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