Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes

Question 1

Dynamics

Answer 1

Fairly quiet, before rising at modulation

Question 2

Rhythm

Answer 2

Moderate tempo with a slight rallentando at the end of the section, slower in second section
Performed with a slight shuffle feel, with swung quavers
Sense of backbeat
Syncopated percussion parts
4/4 time signature

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

3 verses with a bridge, an intro and an outro

Question 4

Melody

Answer 4

Four 2 bar phrases that are repeated with variations
Centred around an E major triad
All phrases start on the off-beat
Conjunct apart from the ending phrase ‘diamonds’, sung as a melisma
Some octave leaps

Question 5

Instrumentation

Answer 5

A capella intro by a male voice choir
Use of falsetto
South African and Western performers
Fretless bass is improvised and syncopated
Use of horns to play horn stabs

Question 6

Texture

Answer 6

Melody and accompaniment

Question 7

Harmony

Answer 7

Call and response between a 3 part & a 4 part harmony for ‘awa awa’
Modulation from E major to F major in second section
Simple primary chords used