Alone Together — Chord Changes & Harmonic Analysis
- Composer:
- Arthur Schwartz
- Year:
- 1932
- Key:
- D minor
- Form:
- ABAC (32 bars)
- Style:
- Jazz Standard
- Tempo:
- 80–160 BPM
A minor key standard with sophisticated harmonic movement. Features chromatic ii-V progressions and dramatic melodic contour.
About This Standard
Composed by Arthur Schwartz with lyrics by Howard Dietz for the 1932 Broadway revue Flying Colors, Alone Together has become a beloved jazz standard, particularly in the bebop and post-bop eras. Its dark, introspective character in D minor and rich harmonic vocabulary made it a favorite vehicle for improvisers seeking emotional depth.
Notable recordings:
- Chet Baker — (various recordings)
- Bill Evans — (various recordings)
- Stan Getz — (various recordings)
- Art Farmer & Jim Hall — (1960s recordings)
Chord Changes
Notation
Harmonic Analysis
Alone Together is a minor key standard in D minor that makes extensive use of minor ii-V-i progressions (Em7b5→A7→Dm) and chromatic harmonic motion. The form moves through several related key centers, using ii-V progressions to tonicize different chord areas. The tune's harmonic richness comes from the interplay between the home key of D minor and excursions to its relative major (F) and subdominant minor (Gm), connected by smooth voice-leading ii-V progressions.