Joseph Kosma · 1945
Origins
A French song first: Les Feuilles mortes, music by Joseph Kosma and words by the poet Jacques Prévert (1945). Johnny Mercer wrote the English words in 1947.
Context
Roger Williams' piano version went to number one in the United States in 1955, and it became one of the most played jazz standards.
Piano Guide & Structure
Chords in this arrangement:
Practice tip: The cycle of fourths makes this the ultimate chord study. Voice the 7th and 3rd in the left hand while the right hand phrases the falling melody.
Interactive challenge to practice before playing:
🎯 Grade 2 Chords Challenge →Free, in your browser: follow the falling notes, slow it down, and add it to your learnings.
Play this song in the app
Melody in the right hand, bass in the left. Watch the notes fall in Live Piano and play along at your own speed.
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