Thelonious Monk
Piano Solo on
'Round Midnight

About

Thelonious Monk's piano solo is the first of two improvisations on this live performance of his most famous composition. Taking one chorus of the 32-bar AABA form in E-flat at a contemplative 70 BPM, Monk delivers a masterclass in his unique approach to ballad playing. His solo refracts the iconic melody through his singular harmonic and rhythmic lens, every note placed with intention, the deliberate pacing and unexpected dissonances creating a reading of the tune that only its composer could have conceived.

Thelonious Monk was 40 to 41 years old at the time.