Ellington Duke, full name Edward Kennedy Ellington, composer, pianist, arranger, orchestra leader, was born on April 29, 1899. He died on May 24, 1974. Edward’s childhood is spent in prosperity, with full parental attention. His love of music was instilled in him by his mother, who played the piano well. And from the age of seven, Duke is already studying with a teacher, and at 11 he begins to write music independently. In 1912, Edward became interested in ragtime, and two years later Ellington
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Ellington Duke, full name Edward Kennedy Ellington, composer, pianist, arranger, orchestra leader, was born on April 29, 1899. He died on May 24, 1974.
Edward’s childhood is spent in prosperity, with full parental attention. His love of music was instilled in him by his mother, who played the piano well. And from the age of seven, Duke is already studying with a teacher, and at 11 he begins to write music independently. In 1912, Edward became interested in ragtime, and two years later Ellington wrote Soda Fountain Rag. At this time, the young man is studying at the school in applied sciences, is going to become an artist. In 1915, Edward took part in the competition for the best advertising poster, in which he won. However, Duke does not stop playing music, constantly improves the technique of playing the piano and studies the theory of harmony. The love of music conquers all other interests and passions, and in 1917 he decided to become a professional musician.
In 1922, Duke began collaborating with the Washingtonians quintet, initially as a pianist and later as a director. The following year, the Ellington ensemble plays in the New York club “Hollywood Club”, which for a long time became the place of permanent activity of Edward. A few years later, the ensemble becomes an orchestra with a composition of 10 people, and Duke’s compositions “Black & Tan Fantasy”, “The Mooche” and “Creole Love Call” appear.
By 1931, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, through performances and participation in radio broadcasts, gained real popularity. In 1931, the first concert tour of the orchestra took place. Edward begins work on Creole Rhapsody.
A few years before the beginning of the swing era, Duke Ellington’s unforgettable compositions lay the foundation for a new style, which began with the compositions “Stormy Weather” and “Sophisticated Lady”. An important place in the work of Edward as a composer is occupied by Crescendo in Blue, as well as Diminuendo in Blue, recognized as an important milestone not only by critics but also by composers such as Igor Stravinsky and Leopold Stokovsky. Throughout his creative career, Ellington meets and collaborates with famous people, composers and performers.
Coleman Hawkins, Count Basie, John Coltrane.
In addition to performing with the orchestra, Ellington writes music for movies, so his compositions can be heard in tapes.
Paris Blues (Paris Blues), "Assault on a Queen", "Change of Mind", the musical "Pousse-Cafe".