Capercaillie: Skye Waulking Song

Question 1

INSTRUMENTATION

Answer 1

o Fusion
o Celtic:
1. Wurlitzer piano 
2. Uilleann pipes 
o Pop: 
1. Drum kit
2. Bass guitar
3. Synthesiser (modulations – pitch fluctuates slightly)
o Accordion
o Solo Voice
o Chorus
o Violin
o Bouzouki (Grecian)

Question 2

TEXTURE

Answer 2

o Layered texture
o Chords on the accordion and synthesiser
o Countermelodies
o Opens on a cluster chord (all notes next to each other)

Question 3

STRUCTURE

Answer 3

o Overall Structure:
1. Introduction (instrumental section, voice enters)
2. Verse 1 (voice and accompaniment)
3. Verse 2 (voice and accompaniment)
4. Coda (short vocal phrases, fades out)
o Vocal Line - 4 different phrases:
1. Call (high D)
2. Response (mid B)
3. Call (low D)
4. Response (High E)
o Call-and response pattern

Question 4

MELODY

Answer 4

o Vocal:
1. Pentatonic
2. Low vocal register (vocal tenor clef)
3. Gaelic – Call (Scottish spoken language)
4. Vocables – Response (nonsense syllables)
o Instrumentalists:
1. Short motifs
2. Countermelodies based on vocal phrases
3. Instrumental break

Question 5

RHYTHM

Answer 5

o Drum Kit’s rhythmic patterns
o Hi-hat creates cross rhythms
o Frequent syncopation

Question 6

METRE

Answer 6

o 12/8 – Compound Quadruple Metre

o When full band enters, hi-hat rhythm changes, clearly emphasises metre

Question 7

HARMONY

Answer 7

o G major
o Diatonic
o 3 main chords (G, E minor, C)
o Dominant Chord (D) avoided, modal feel