Chord Distribution Analysis

Chord SymbolCountFrequency
Dbmaj7518.5%
Dm7b5414.8%
Ab13b9311.1%
G13b927.4%
Eb7#1127.4%
Ebm727.4%
Abm727.4%
Db7b913.7%

Key Patterns Detected

PatternFunctionFrequency
Abm7 -> Db7b9Setup (Major Key)1
Bb7#5#9 -> Fm7Resolution (Minor)1
Fm7 -> Bb7#11Setup (Major Key)1
G7b5 -> Dm7b5Resolution (Minor)1

Harmonic Highlights

  • The piece utilizes recurring minor ii-V cells (Dm7b5 - G13b9) that function as chromatic neighbor groups or secondary dominants, often bypassing standard resolutions to the Ab tonic.
  • Frequent modulations to the subdominant (Db major) are established via ii-V cycles (Ebm7 - Ab13b9), grounding the “beautiful” side of the composition in a lush IV-major tonality.
  • Extensive use of the Lydian Dominant sound (Eb7#11, Bb7#11) adds characteristic “Monkish” dissonance, utilizing the #11 to bridge the gap between distant tonal centers.
  • Persistent modal interchange between Ab major and Ab minor creates the “ugly/beautiful” contrast, shifting the emotional palette through altered dominant extensions and minor-key ii-Vs.

Improvisation Focus

Melodic application of the Whole-Tone scale and Altered scale to navigate the highly tensioned dominant chords.

Difficulty Rating

4/5: The non-functional resolutions and shifting tonal centers in a waltz feel require advanced harmonic navigation and a deep understanding of dissonance.