Closing In (John Williams)

Question 1

Describe the instrumentation. Make three points.

Answer 1

Alto saxophone initiated in B section gives piece a jazzy, yet sneaky feel to it. Regarded as adventurous

Flutes play chromatic flurries when A section is heard for the 3rd time. Secretive, as it moves rapidly

Unpitched and unusual sounds like finger snaps and ‘shhs’ are often used to reinforce the tempo

Question 2

Describe the harmony/ tonality. Make four points.

Answer 2

G harmonic lines with a lot of G sharp and C sharp passing tones during D section. Gradually builds suspense

Revolves loosely around key of G minor. Regarded as cryptic sounding, which builds the suspense

Open chords in E section played by full orchestra. Regarded as climactic rather than transitional sounding

Key of G minor is ambiguous in places such as D section where the harmony is open. Regarded as relentless

Question 3

Describe the texture. Make two points.

Answer 3

Monophonic in the opening bars played by marimba. Sounds stealthy, which develops the tension

Frequent changes between monophony, homophony and polyphony. Driving and expands on the excitement

Question 4

Describe the rhythm/ tempo. Make six points.

Answer 4

Quite nifty during the opening bars, which drives the music forward to the end. Regarded as exciting

Hemiolas are created at beginning of A section between dotted quarter notes and triplet patterns. Stimulating

Rhythmic displacement in middle of alto saxophone’s solo with straight eighth notes against eighth note triplets

Thick chords move monophonically at the beginning of E section. Regarded as climactic and exciting

Light accents played by piano and xylophone near the end add emphasis to rhythm. Sounds enthralling

Marked the same throughout, but sounds displaced thanks to ambiguous rhythms. Drives the music forward