Style:

Bossa Nova.

Form:

A-A-B-A (44 Bars) [12-12-8-12]

Arrangements:

A vamp of Imi7 - IImi7 is sometimes used as an intro, and also as an outro.

Key:

Most commonly played in D Major.

Harmony/Overview:

The harmony of this composition is mainly functional and is made up mostly  of II - V's. The A section begins with IMaj7 before moving to bVIdim7,  and continues with a II - V to IVMaj7 before arriving at IVmi. A III7 -  VI7 is then used to set up II7 momentarily before a final bVI7 - V7 resolves to the tonic minor. The bridge begins with a IImi7 - V7 to  bIIIMaj7, and continues with a IImi - V7 of bIIMaj7 before a final V7  returns to the tonic.

Recordings:

This song has been recorded over 410 times to date. It was first introduced on Jobim's 1967 album of the same name as an instrumental, although Jobim wrote both Portuguese and English lyrics for the tune. It has  since been recorded by many of the greats, and it continues to be one of Jobim's most popular compositions to have found its place into the  standard repertoire.

JGC Top Picks:

Ahmad Jamal, The Awakening, 1970

Paul Desmond, Pure Desmond, 1974

McCoy Tyner, Supertrios, 1977