This tune really showcases Duke Ellington's skill as an arranger. The timbres are constantly shifting and changing as he sets different moods in the various interludes by changing the instrumentation of both the soloists and the background. The creative use of mutes by the lead cornet player, along with vocal growls, also helps to vary the textures of the sound. Shifts from minor to major and back again also help to maintain the interest by continually creating variety.
The drummer's use of splash cymbals is unexpected but it is a nice lead in to the muted cornet duet and the alternating clarinet duet. The return of the original dark muted cornet theme sets the stage for a quite mysterious ending. It is easy to see from this why people often said that, although Duke Ellington was a pianist, his real instrument was the entire orchestra.
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