Autumn Leaves (Les Feuilles Mortes)

The iconic tune Autumn Leaves (Les Feuilles Mortes) by Hungarian-born composer Joseph Kosma hardly requires an introduction to jazz afficionados. The music was originally set to French lyrics by Jacques Prévert, and later English lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This classic band arrangement by Alfred Reed showcases the rich harmonic language that underlines the melody with thick, sonorous orchestration. This piece can be the perfect change of pace when placed among works with quicker tempi or more rigourous demands on the players.