Concerning Hobbits (Howard Shore) Flashcards
Area of Study 3
Describe the instrumentation. Make five points.
Lower strings play three note ascending and descending figure using pizzicato. Straightforward string technique
Tin whistles are rarely used in a standard orchestra. To put it as a solo gives the piece a Celtic, countryside aspect
Fiddle plays turn figures during the highest part of their solo. Reinforces the Celtic, celebratory atmosphere
Accordion is heard playing chords underneath the fiddle’s solo. Illustrates a Celtic party atmosphere for the Hobbits
Plucked strings like classical guitars and mandolin are used to reinforce the Hobbits’ simplistic and cheerful life
Describe the harmony/ tonality. Make five points.
Mainly uses chords one, four, five and six of key chord. Simplistic progression symbolises the Hobbits’ ordinary life
In a major key, but contains chord six in progression, which is minor. Regarded as cheerful and innocent sounding
Slow variation of skipping motif established by pizzicato lower strings at start consist of slow string chords. Emotional
When fiddle returns with variation of its solo, the key ascends gradually by two semitones. Builds on celebratory atmosphere
Piece ends on a strong perfect cadence as it returns to the key chord. This underlines the purity of the Hobbits
Describe the texture. Make three points.
Monophonic in the opening bars with the lower strings figure. This symbolises the independency of the Hobbits
Polyphonic after fiddle’s solo when strings play variation of it lushly. Unleashes aspects of drama within cheerful atmosphere
Homophonic when key returns to its original and strings play slow chords on top of pizzicato figure. Drives emotional content
Describe the rhythm/ tempo. Make two points.
Lots of anticipation and hemiolas during tin whistle’s solo. Struggle to keep up with tempo symbolises innocent Hobbits
Ambiguous because of the anticipation in the tin whistle. Builds a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere for the Hobbit life
