Analysis of Bossa Nova: Melody, Harmony, and Structure in Esperanza Spalding's Song

What are the two main melodies in the song?

Verse 1 and Verse 2, which are combined during the guitar solo.

What is the emotional theme of the song's lyrics?

The lyrics are in Portuguese and express longing for a lost love.

What is the vocal range of the melody?

The melody line goes very low for a female vocal, reaching down to a low E.

What is the structure of Verse 1?

Verse 1 is an 8-bar idea that is repeated with a different ending.

What melodic technique is frequently used in Verse 1?

Many phrases use a rising arpeggio, particularly noticeable in bar 4.

How does the melody primarily move in Verse 1?

The melody mostly moves in leaps of a third or a seventh, which is unusual.

What harmonic characteristics are present in the song?

The chords are influenced by jazz, featuring extended chords and some chromatic chords.

What are the main chords based around in the song?

The main chords are mostly based around chords III, IV, and V.

What is the tonality of the piece?

The piece is in B minor and does not modulate from this key.

How does the tempo change throughout the song?

The start is very free time, Verse 1 has a slow tempo, and Verse 2 has a faster tempo.

What rhythmic technique is used in Verse 1?

Verse 1 uses lots of rubato, allowing expressive slowing down or speeding up.

What is a notable feature of the bass in the song?

The acoustic bass uses double stopping and harmonics, and plays complex rhythms.

What is the overall texture of the piece?

The main texture is homophonic, with sections being monophonic or polyphonic at times.

What instruments are used in the song?

The song features a female voice, acoustic bass guitar, and acoustic guitar.

What is the full structure of the piece?

Intro, Verse 1, link, Verse 2, Guitar solo, Verse 1 and 2 voice and bass duet, coda (outro).

Who originally wrote 'Samba em Prelúdio'?

The song was originally written by Roberto Baden Powell, with lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes.

What is the significance of the year 2008 for the song?

Esperanza Spalding's version of the song was released in 2008.

What rhythmic style does the bass adopt in Verse 2?

Verse 2 features a 'standard' bossa nova rhythm played by the bass.

What type of musical fusion does 'Samba em Prelúdio' represent?

It is a fusion of Jazz and Brazilian Samba.