Oscar Peterson
Piano Solo on
I've Got the World on a String

About

Oscar Peterson contributes a half-chorus piano solo on Harold Arlen's "I've Got the World on a String" at a gentle 76 BPM from Anita O'Day's 1957 album Anita Sings the Most. His approach to the 32-bar AABA form in A demonstrates the lyrical side of his artistry, each phrase a model of melodic invention and harmonic richness within the spacious rhythmic framework. As the sole instrumental soloist, Peterson's half-chorus statement is carefully sculpted, his touch and dynamic control revealing the sensitivity that could sometimes be overshadowed by his celebrated technical virtuosity. The Arlen composition, a cornerstone of the Great American Songbook, is treated with the elegance its romantic character deserves.

Oscar Peterson was 31 to 32 years old at the time.