Symphonic jazz was a style of jazz in the early 20s that served as music to dance to. They were popular in the then-emerging ballrooms, and were composed to cater to a wider audience. Symphonic jazz were not very spontaneous compared to the other flavors of jazz.

Hallmarks

  • heavily arranged/composed
  • texture: mostly homophonic due to minimal improvization and larger instrumentation
  • form
  • instrumentation
    • strings (fewer than full orchestra, provides a more delicate texture)
    • saxophones (warmer sound than Dixieland)
  • primitivism: e.g. animal mimicry

Musicians

  • Art Hickman: song writer
    • established saxophones as a staple for larger jazz ensembles
  • Paul Whiteman: bandleader, composer
    • white musician who recruited Black musicians
    • classically trained
    • recorded popular dance tunes
  • Bing Crosby: singer, movie/radio star
    • famous for song “Let it Snow”
    • part of “The Calinda” played by Paul Whiteman Orchestra