Viola and piano. Blue Moon by Rodgers & Hart. 1934. The Marcels had a big hit in 1961. 'It may be the first instance of the familiar "50s progression" in a popular song.' (Cadenza)
show tune
Story behind the song
Blue Moon served as an experiment on two levels. One, I wanted to write a tune for solo string instrument. And two, the tune makes common use of notes that are not in the underlying chords. In fact, the first note is a 9th. These notes add tension and might be uncomfortable to listen to. (I thought this was called appoggiatura but I googled it and I am wrong. One of these days I am going to have to sit down and learn some theory.)