AoS4 Release Flashcards
Name the two African instruments used in Release
Kora
Talking drum
Name the six Celtic instruments in Release
Hurdy-Gurdy Uilleann Pipes Bodhran Fiddle Whistle Accordion
Name the EDM forces used in Release
Male-vox, female-vox Breath samples Drum machine Synthesiser Shaker Tambourine Bass guitar
What is the overall key of Release?
C (Aeolian) Mode
How would you describe the tonality of Release?
Modal - not the traditional major or minor
How describe the harmony of Release?
Mostly diatonic, using chords I, II, IV and V, but with some extended chords such as 7ths and 9ths, creating more of a varied texture (chords in this piece are more textural than harmonic). The harmony is “static”.
How would you describe the harmonic rhythm of Release?
Slow - the chords change slowly
What is the main texture of Release?
Mostly homophonic - melody and accompaniment
What is the texture in the Uilleann Pipe and Hardy-Gurdy section towards the end?
Heterophonic - playing very similar things, but they are different
Describe the texture of Release
Constantly changing, and use of layering to add parts one or two at a time. Sudden drops creat dramatic interest
Are the verses in Release mostly syllabic or melismatic?
Syllabic - one note per syllable
Describe the structure of Release
Strophic - no chorus at all. Includes an intro, a solo section, a build up and an outro
How does the rhythm change from the intro into Verse 1 of Release?
It starts off in free time, then a more strict pulse joins when the shaker and then the Bodhran loop is played
What is the metre of Release?
4/4 - simple quadruple metre
Why is the name of the ensemble suitable for the genre of Release?
Afro-Celt Sound System is a suitable name as it includes all three genres which are heard as a piece of fusion music in Release - African, Celtic and EDM.
Would you say that the development of Release was based around mainly texture or harmony and tonality?
Texture - the harmony is slower moving and based mostly around the note of C, so doesn’t give as much interest as the texture
What are loops and how are they used in Release?
A short repeated pattern which adds to the texture
Why make the tonality of Release suggest C instead of Eb Major?
The drone uses the note C from the start.
What helps the chords to define the harmony of Release?
The melody - all the parts playing different things helps to define the tonality and shapes some of the harmony
Which instrument in Release only plays a CMinor chord throughout, but with different rhythmic patterns?
Accordion
Does the Talking Drum provide a steady beat at the start of Release?
No - it’s more just for effect
What is the tempo of the song after the initial section of the intro of Release?
100bpm (beats per minute)
What does syncopation mean?
Off-beat rhythms - played a lot by the Bodhran in Release
What is an ostinato?
A persistent phrase or motif repeated over several bars or more.
