Batman Returns Flashcards
What is the effect of Leitmotif in order to present the character of the Penguin?
Penguin theme is specifically established to ensure that the audience later associate this theme constantly with this character
What is the effect of Rising fourths in the Batman Motif?
Used for dramatic effect in order to represent his status as the hero of the film
What is the effect of the Penguin motif being sung by choir and then changing to full organ in Bar 3?
Change is for dramatic effect, reflecting the stormy weather around cobblepot manor
What is the effect of wordless voices?
Builds the melody whilst the orchestra plays the accompaniment
What is the effect of the Batman motif being played in Bar 1?
Reflects in the previous film before beginning birth of a Penguin theme
What is the effect of the music descending in pitch at Bar 47 of Rise and Fall from Grace?
Reflects the onscreen movement of characters as they descend a staircase
What is the effect of BoaPP1 beginning in F minor with subdominant pedal?
Creates serious harmonic backdrop
What is the effect of tone clusters in BoaPP1?
Creates a dissonant and unsettling feel to the piece
What is the effect of the change of Key at Bar 7 to A minor (tertiary relationship)?
Reflects the horror of the father to his son the Penguin
What is the effect of the Triumphant change to C major as the crowd cheers for Penguin in Rise and Fall from Grace?
Creates a grandiose feeling during the scene
What is the effect of tremolando strings at the end of Birth of a Penguin Part 1?.
Creates a colouristic effect reflecting on the tension of the piece
What is the effect of the flurry heard at Bar 21 of Birth of a Penguin Part 1?
Represents the suddenness of the Penguin pulling the cat into the cage
What is the effect of the Penguin theme using a theatrical orchestration using a choir as well as a pipe organ and full orchestra?
Creates a feeling of fantasy
What is the effect of Brass occasionally playing con sord in Rise and Fall from Grace?
Mutes the instruments creating a more panned out sound.
What is the effect of tone clusters in Birth of a Penguin Part 1 B6?
Creates a dissonant feel to the piece
What is the effect of Elfman ending using a superimposed 5th rather than a dominant 7th chord?
Unusual and creates further sense of tension
What is the effect of Augmented chords (A to Eb) in Rise and Fall from Grace?
Creates a feel of tension and adds dissonance
What is the effect of the Om pah pah Ostinato in Rise and Fall from Grace?
Creates a waltz like feel to the piece
What is the effect of octaves in Bar 22-25 in Birth of a Penguin Part 1?
Helps to focus thicken the texture of the piece as there is no accompaniment in the Penguin Motif
What is the effect of Homophony in Birth of a Penguin Part 1?
Main themes can be heard clearly of the accompanying instruments which thicken the texture of the piece
What is the effect of using a ‘Hollywood’ style orchestra
Leads to rich and fuller textures
What is the effect of a snare off in Birth of a Penguin part one?
Creates a hollow sound
Williams - Imperial March
Melody: frequent use of leitmotif
Steiner - King Kong
Melody: use of rising fourths
Sonority: Brass sometimes play con sord
