Beyonce

Question 1

Crazy in Love: STRUCTURE and INSTRUMENTATION

Answer 1

Structure
-Standard verse-chorus form complete with 4 verses divided equally between beyonce singing and Jay-Z rapping
-These are flanked by choruses and a bridge to create musical contrast
Instrumentation
-Standard pop ensemble joined by synth brass which plays a sample from the 1970 song ‘Are you my woman’ by the Chi-Lites
-Prominent use of cow bell

Question 2

Crazy in Love: TONALITY and HARMONY

Answer 2

• The piece alternates between the chords of Bb major and G minor with added 7th in the intro and chorus
• The Eb required for both keys is not present, E present instead suggesting the Lydian mode (major scale with augmented 4th) on Bb
• The entrance of vocals at the verse, complete with N.C bar outlines D and A, tonic and dominant in D minor - with an F in the bass forming 1st inversion chord matching the key signature of 1 flat

Question 3

Crazy in Love: MELODY and RHYTHM

Answer 3

• The verses use a 1 bar vocal riff employing subtle syncopation and semiquavers making the piece feel faster than it actually is
• The chorus employs a similar device using D, F and G forming a hook; the last 2 bars of the chorus use backing vocals to give a complete chord of G minor over the Bb and Gm7 chord pattern