Beyonce

Question 1

What are the features commonly found in Beyonce’s melodies?

Answer 1

• generally simple- regular phrasing with lots of repetition of motifs
• often syllabic but expressive use of melisma shows r&b/ soul influence and suggests heightened emotion
• blue notes use in if i were a boy
• strong hooks common in choruses
• riffs are also sometimes used

Question 2

What are the features commonly found in Beyonce’s harmonies?

Answer 2

• usually quite simple, using mostly triads and repetitive sequences
• often the same 3-4 chords are used for most or all of a song
• extensions, sus4s and other more complex chords occasionally used
• power chords used in best thing i never had chorus
• some songs feature quite static/bare harmonies

Question 3

What are the features commonly found in Beyonce’s tonality?

Answer 3

• generally tonal
• minor key songs sometimes use modes eg me myself and i dorian
• most songs stay in the same key throughout
• ‘singly ladies’ uses tonic minor key in bridge
• modulations up a semitone in love on top create building excitement

Question 4

What are the features commonly found in Beyonce’s structure?

Answer 4

• typically in verse chorus form often with an intro and outro and a bridge after the second chorus
• instrumental sections occasionally used

Question 5

What are the features commonly found in Beyonce’s sonority?

Answer 5

• a variety of instrumentation reflecting eclectic approach of modern pop production
• acoustic instruments include piano, guitars, drums, brass and strings
• electric instruments include synthesisers, drum machines and samplers demonstrates hip hop influence
• varied use of vocals mezzo soprano range with strong abilities in different registers
• belting and vibrato used for stronger emotional effects
• some songs feature guest rappers
• electronic effects eg reverb, delay and panning

Question 6

What are the features commonly found in Beyonce’s texture?

Answer 6

• melody and accompaniment textures with multiple layers of bass, chordal parts and occasional countermelodies
• texture often varied between verses and choruses to create contrasts
• backing vocals are an important textural element used to reinforce melody, comment on it in call and response, or to create polyphony

Question 7

What are the features commonly found in Beyonce’s tempo, metre and rhythm?

Answer 7

• generally uses slower tempos than other names artists often between 80 and 100 bpm
• generally tempo remains constant throughout with a steady 4/4 groove
• backbeats often used in drums

Question 8

What are the features commonly found in Beyonce’s dynamics and articulation?

Answer 8

• dynamics often used for expressive effect - crescendo, diminuendo and contrasts between sections
• studio fade outs sometimes used
• best known for her melismatic legato singing but also sometimes makes use of staccato articulation