Back To The Future Theme (Alan Silvestri)

Question 1

Describe the instrumentation. Make four points.

Answer 1

Cymbal roll marks the beginning of the piece. At a loud dynamic, so it’s regarded as suspense building

Horns and trumpets are used in opening bars as fanfare introduction. Sounds valiant and authoritative

Upper strings play in a higher range. Sounds lush and emotional, which suspends the anticipation further

Harp plays a transitional scale flurry between the upper strings theme and the trumpet theme. Sounds dreamy

Question 2

Describe the harmony/ tonality. Make five points.

Answer 2

In a minor key, but contains chords that are unrelated. Fully extends the drama as well as excitement to the listener

Uses chords one, two, four and five. Sounds optimistic and heroic, which blends into an adventurous atmosphere

Key change during transition from fanfare figures to upper string’s theme. Increases the suspense and the tension

The chords ascend chromatically when lower brass play their syncopated figure. Builds the tension and anticipation

Implied whole tone scales are played by lower brass. Creates aspects of darkness underneath the heroic atmosphere

Question 3

Describe the texture. Make two points.

Answer 3

Monophonic and homophonic in the opening bars. Makes the listener on edge, as it increases the anticipation

Swelling dynamics increase along with the part writing. Unsettles the emotions of the listener and builds the tension

Question 4

Describe the rhythm/ tempo. Make four points.

Answer 4

Crotchet triplets are sounded in the horns after the opening bars. Feels like it’s slowing down, which widens the tension

Strings play cascading flurries during the sounding of the main theme. Drives the action and excitement forward

After the upper strings play their theme, lower brass play a syncopated off beat two note figure. Sounds exciting

Ambiguous, as the metre is constantly changing. Reinforces the driving of the action, further building on the excitement