Afro Celt Sound System CHEAT SHEET

Question 1

dynamics - linked to texture

Answer 1

• gets louder when more instruments
• gets quieter when fewer instruments

Question 2

dynamics - linked to technology

Answer 2

• as made of loops and synthesised sounds, there are no dynamic markings
• editing techniques used to make some parts louder than other - more ‘prominent in the mix’

Question 3

rhythm

Answer 3

• straight and syncopated rhythms
• semiquavers and occasional triplets, slightly swung in places
• polyrhythms and cross rhythms

Question 4

tempo

Answer 4

moderato - 100BPM

Question 5

metre

Answer 5

• free time at the start
• changes to 4/4 when bodhran enters

Question 6

structure

Answer 6

• intro
• verse 1
• break
• verse 2
• solos
• verse 3
• breakdown
• outro

Question 7

melody of vocals

Answer 7

• repetitive
• syllabic
• based on Cm pentatonic scale
• moves mainly in steps
• 3x 8 bar phrases
• female vocal, male vocal (maninka), male vocal (gaelic)
• range of female vocal - 6th
• range of male vocal - 10th

Question 8

melody of solos

Answer 8

• repetitive
• based on 2 bar phrases
• uses steps and leaps
  wide pitch range
• based on Cm pentatonic scale
• mainly diatonic
• drones used, using C and G notes
• modal - aeolian and dorian modes

Question 9

AFRICAN FORCES

Answer 9

• kora
• talking drum
• djembe

Question 10

CELTIC FORCES

Answer 10

• accordion
• uillean pipes
• fiddle
• hurdy-gurdy
• low whistle
• bodhran

Question 11

WESTERN/ELECTRONIC FORCES

Answer 11

• synthesiser
• drum machine
• electric piano
• male and female vox
• shaker
• tambourine

Question 12

LIVE PERFORMANCE FORCES

Answer 12

• male and female vox
• soloists (hurdy-gurdy, low-whistle, uillean pipes)

Question 13

texture

Answer 13

• predominantly homophonic
• monophony (intro)
• heterophony (outro)
• layers depending on how many loops/instruments used
• layered textures
• verse 3 - polyphonic

Question 14

harmony

Answer 14

• loops
• ostinatos
• block chords
• arpeggiated chords
• drone
• pedal note
• static harmony
• double stopping to create chords

Question 15

tonality

Answer 15

• key based around C minor but mainly modal
• dorian and aeolian on C
• C D Eb F G Ab Bb C
• melody based around the Cm pentatonic scale
• C Eb F G Bb

Question 16

music tech

Answer 16

• drum machine
• 28 loops layered and mixed for live performers to improv over the top
• synth sounds - bass, bells, strings, soft pad
• multi-track recording
• mixing
• panning
• filter sweep
• reverb
• delay
• samples