The loneliness of Duke Ellington (8)

I believe the answer is:

solitude

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'the loneliness' is the definition.
('solitude' can be a synonym of 'loneliness')

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for solitude that I've seen before include "Lack of company" , "State of being alone without companions" , "Absence of company" , "Seclusion" , "Lou diets in isolation" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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