Long Ago And Far Away

“Long Ago And Far Away” was composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Ira Gershwin. It was first introduced in the 1944 film “Cover Girl,” where it was performed by Rita Hayworth and Jane Greer. Since then, the song has been interpreted by numerous artists across various genres.

This song follows a 32-bar AABA format and is characterized by its light and beautiful melody. The melodic line flows smoothly, and the rich harmonic progression allows for a wide range of emotional expression. The melody gently unfolds in harmony with the rhythm, leaving a serene impression on both the performer and the listener.

When performing this song, focus on the flexibility and smoothness of the melodic line. It’s important to capture the subtle emotional shifts through the delicate development of the harmony. The rhythm section should play softly, maintaining the song’s gentle atmosphere. During solo sections, it’s crucial to emphasize the melody and harmony while staying true to the song’s overall character. Understanding the song’s overall flow and enhancing its dynamic and beautiful qualities will bring out the best in this piece.