July 24

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In A Sentimental Mood (by Duke Ellington)- Solo Piano Arrangement

By Thomas Gunther

July 24, 2025

About the Sheet Music

Although this song is arranged as a jazz ballad, I approached its notation in the same way as a classical composition, with all the typical notation details you would expect. This means I wrote it note for note, including sustain pedal markings and fingering suggestions, tempo changes, dynamics, etc. 
The main difference is that I included chord symbols. I notated Duke's original chord symbols above the grand staff, along with any chord symbols derived from re-harmonizations placed between the two staff systems. I imagine that this is appreciated by seasoned jazz musicians, as well as those who want to dive deeper into jazz.

You can purchase the sheet music for a limited time for only $7.99 by clicking the button below.

Who This Arrangement best suited For

It is best suited for intermediate- to advanced-level players. Pianists with strong piano technique and sight-reading skills will definitely find it easier to learn.

I believe both traditional and jazz pianists will enjoy this arrangement.
Jazz musicians will appreciate the provided chord symbols for all the reharmonizations I applied, allowing them to study them.
Classical musicians will value the attention to detail, which enables them to sound like seasoned jazz pianists without requiring knowledge of chord symbols, arranging, or improvisation.

About the Arranging Techniques I Used in the Song

After I finished the arrangement, it occurred to me that it would serve well as an example for some of my favorite arranging techniques. I decided to create a video tutorial on the subject for anyone who would like to learn more. 

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Thomas Gunther

About the author

Thomas Gunther, also known as Thommy Günther in Germany, is a highly versatile jazz pianist, keyboardist, music producer, and educator with international recognition. He was born and raised in Germany, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Performing Jazz and Popular Music from the State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart.

After relocating to Chicago, Thomas quickly became the principal pianist for the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, which is directed by the esteemed music arranger and composer William Russo. In this role, he had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned artists such as Randy Brecker, Body DiFranco, Archie Shepp, Jon Faddis, Cassandra Wilson, and Orbert Davis.

Currently, Thomas is an integral part of the Chicago music scene, performing with various groups both as a sideman and as a leader. He heads the Thomas Gunther Trio Plus and has toured Germany with the Thomas Gunther’s Taste Of Chicago Band. In addition to his performance career, he has produced, arranged, and recorded a substantial body of work, serving both in leadership roles and as a collaborator.

Thomas also provides music arranging and orchestration services for ensembles of all sizes, including contributions to the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. As an educator, he shares his expertise as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia College Chicago. For more information about Thomas, visit https://www.ThomasGunther.com.

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