Tempo and Rhythm:
- The song has a moderate tempo, creating a relaxed and soothing atmosphere.
- The rhythm is primarily in a 4/4 time signature, providing a steady and predictable pulse.
Melody:
- The melody of What a Wonderful World is simple yet memorable.
- It consists of a series of stepwise movements and small leaps, contributing to its singable and hummable nature.
- The melody rises and falls gently, mirroring the emotional ebbs and flows of the lyrics.
Harmony:
- The song mainly features simple and consonant harmonies, creating a harmonious and pleasant sound.
- The chord progressions are relatively basic, employing common chord functions such as tonic, dominant, and subdominant.
Instrumentation:
- The original recording features a prominent jazz band arrangement with trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, piano, double bass, and drums.
- Louis Armstrong's iconic vocals are the centerpiece, accompanied by the mellow blend of instruments that provide support and texture.
Timbre:
- Louis Armstrong's voice has a warm, gravelly timbre that adds character and depth to the performance.
- The jazz band instruments blend together harmoniously, creating a rich and textured soundscape.
Structure:
- What a Wonderful World follows a traditional verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus song structure.
- Each section builds upon the previous one, leading to a satisfying conclusion in the final chorus.
Lyrics:
- The lyrics are at the heart of the song's appeal, expressing a sense of awe and appreciation for the beauty of the world.
- The imagery used in the lyrics evokes vivid mental pictures, encouraging listeners to reflect on the joys and wonders of everyday life.
Overall, the musical elements of What a Wonderful World combine perfectly to create a piece that is universally loved and recognized as a timeless classic. The song's simplicity, warmth, and emotional resonance make it a timeless masterpiece in the world of music.