Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Au Privave" is a bebop standard composed by alto saxophonist Charlie Parker (1920–1955) in 1951. The title appears to be pseudo-French—"Privave" is not a real French word—reflecting Parker's well-known fondness for playful wordplay in naming his compositions.

The tune is a 12-bar blues in the key of F. While rooted in the blues form, Parker's chord changes go well beyond the standard progression, inserting bebop substitutions such as a ii–V movement in the second bar that add harmonic momentum. The melody itself is built around the F major triad, enlivened by chromaticism and rhythmic syncopation—deceptively simple yet unmistakably Bird. It serves as a perfect study in how Parker could take the most fundamental jazz form and infuse it with fresh sophistication. A staple at jam sessions, it offers both accessibility for less experienced players and depth for advanced improvisers.

Parker's own first recording dates from January 17, 1951, with Miles Davis on trumpet. Another celebrated version is the high-energy rendition by Sonny Stitt with the Oscar Peterson Trio.