Africa by Toto Flashcards
What is the time signature?
2/2 (Cut common)
What is the tempo?
Moderate (moderato) - we take the tempo from the minim beat
What are dotted notes?
Where half of the original note value is added onto the note
What are tied notes?
Where you add the note values together (hold the note)
What is a backbeat?
Where the snare drum hits on beats 2 and 4
What are some examples of syncopation in the piece?
- The synth in the intro (as well as the links and outro)
- The chorus phrasing in the vocal line
What genre of music is it?
Soft rock
When was it released?
1981
Who wrote it?
David Paich and Jeff Porcaro
What is an anacrusis?
Sometimes called an upbeat, the note or notes that precede(s) the first downbeat of a phrase
What is a pentatonic scale?
A 5 note scale common in African music, consisting of degrees 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 of the major scale
What does syllabic mean?
1 note per syllable
What does melisma mean?
Multiple notes per syllable
What does chordal mean?
Describing a texture in which a melody line is accompanied by lines forming chords, often following the same rhythm
What sections are in B major?
Intro, verse, link, instrumental, outro
What sections are in A major?
Chorus
What are the chords in the intro?
A, G#m, C#m
What chords are in the verse?
B, D#m, B/F#, A/E, E/F#, G#m
Extra bar: A, G#m, C#m
What chords are in the chorus?
F#m, D, A, E
Extra bars: C#m, E, F#m, E/G#
What are the chords in the link?
A, G#m, C#m
What are the chords in the outro?
A, G#m, C#m
What’s the difference between verse 1 and verse 2?
Verse 2 is 1 phrase shorter
What’s the difference between chorus 1, chorus 2, and chorus 3?
Chorus 1 and chorus 2 are the same but in chorus 3 there’s an added electric guitar riff, repeated vocals, and solo improvisation
