Beyonce

Question 1

Which film was ‘Listen’ written for?

Answer 1

Dreamgirls

Question 2

Describe the style of ‘Listen’

Answer 2

Soul-R&B, using Standard pop instrumentation with added strings

Question 3

Describe the main features of the verses in ‘Listen’

Answer 3

Verses use the lower vocal range. The piano accompaniement in verse 1 remains relatively static, with chords changing every two beats in general. A 4-3 suspension takes place in bar 4. The drums join in on the second verse with a light hi-hat

Question 4

Describe the main features of the pre-chorus in ‘Listen’

Answer 4

Tertiary modulation to the relative major of the tonic minor (D Major), Triplets, instrumental glissando, 4-3 suspension and vocal melisma build up to the arrival of the chorus

Question 5

Describe the main features of the chorus in ‘Listen’

Answer 5

Climax of the piece, which is represented by: A return to the tonic key, Change in harmonic rhythm to 2 bars with 1 chord per bar followed by 2 bars with 2 chords per bar, Use of V7 which doesn’t resolve to Ib but instead to D# 1st inversion, Passing modulation to G# minor - relative minor of B major

Question 6

Give 3 features of the harmony in ‘Listen’

Answer 6

Extended and suspended chords, tertiary modulation, Passing modulation in the chorus

Question 7

Describe the overall structure of ‘Listen’

Answer 7

The overall stucture is verse, pre-chorus, chorus

Question 8

Describe the vocal techniques used by Beyonce in ‘Listen’

Answer 8

Beyonce frequently uses melisma and glissandos, as well as a wide range of pitch, throughout the piece.

Question 9

Describe the instrumentation of ‘Listen’

Answer 9

Typical pop instrumentation - Bass guitar, electric guitar, keyboard and vocals, plus strings

Question 10

Describe the structure of ‘Crazy in love’

Answer 10

Verse-chorus - each verse is an equal split between Beyonce singing and Jay-Z wrapping.

Question 11

Describe the harmony and tonality of ‘Crazy in Love’

Answer 11

The piece alternates between Bb major and G minor although it uses 3 instead of the required Eb, which suggests the Lydian Mode on Bb.

Question 12

Describe the melody and rhythm of ‘crazy in love’

Answer 12

The vocal riff of the verse uses syncopation and semiquavers, subtly giving the sense of a faster tempo. Backing vocals are used in the later part of the chorus

Question 13

Describe the instrumentation of ‘crazy in love’

Answer 13

A standard pop ensemble is used, alongside synth-brass and cowbells.

Question 14

Which mode is used in ‘crazy in love’

Answer 14

The Lydian mode

Question 15

Describe 4 similarities or differences between ‘single ladies’ and either of the other 2 pieces

Answer 15

‘Single Ladies’ has a bridge in it whereas ‘Listen’ doesn’t. However, ‘Single Ladies’, ‘Listen’ and ‘Crazy In Love’ all feature a wide vocal range. ‘Single Ladies’ and ‘Crazy In Love’ utilise alternating chord progressions, but only ‘Crazy In Love’ features rapped vocals

Question 16

Describe 4 similarities or differences between ‘Best thing I never had’ and either of the other 2 pieces

Answer 16

‘BTINH’ and ‘Crazy In Love’ have backing vocals that build up in the chorus. They also both use standard pop instrumentation. However, the use of melisma and glissando’s in BTINH is most similar to their use in ‘Listen’, as is the chord progression.