Third Stream

Coined by composer *Gunther Schuller* in 1957, Third Stream designates a synthesis of Western classical music and jazz. It seeks to merge the formal compositional structures, orchestration, and harmonic techniques of the classical tradition with the rhythmic vitality and improvisational core of jazz. The resulting sound is often cerebral and expansive, employing large ensembles that juxtapose string sections and woodwinds with a rhythm section's spontaneous dialogue. Though never achieving widespread commercial success, its principles profoundly influenced avant-garde jazz and spiritual jazz, evident in works from *Charles Mingus*' "The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady" to *Miles Davis*' collaborations with *Gil Evans*.