Electric Counterpoint

Question 1

Composer and year?

Answer 1

Steve Reich
1987

Question 2

What’s the articulation like?

Answer 2

Staccato. Helps to propel the music forward and give it energy. Neat - it means parts can be heard clearly.

Question 3

What extension chord does the melody outline?

Answer 3

Basically Em7

Question 4

What enters that makes the harmony for clear?

Answer 4

the full bass line

Question 5

When are there key changes to C minor?

Answer 5

In the middle

Question 6

What type of chords are used?

Answer 6

Jazz chords.

Question 7

Describe then instrumentation.

Answer 7

Single timbre ensemble. 1 live guitar, 7 pre-recorded guitar parts and 2 pre-recorded bass guitars.

Question 8

What’s an example of predominantly quaver movement?

Answer 8

Movement in guitars 1-4

Question 9

The movement is called ‘fast’ but how many crotchet beats per minute?

Answer 9

192

Question 10

Melodic cell and resultant melodies are…

Answer 10

Syncopated

Question 11

What creates MORE syncopation?

Answer 11

Combination of 12/8 and 3/2

Question 12

How many bars does it take for everyone to play at the same time?

Answer 12

64

Question 13

What’s the structure like?

Answer 13

Metamorphosis. Gradually builds then fades.

Question 14

Describe the texture
- - - -

Answer 14

• Phase Shifting
• Opens monophonically then develops into POLYPHONY
• guitars 5, 6 and 7 play chords
• much is based on canon

Question 15

Live guitar part begins with fragments of melody, how are they expanded?

Answer 15

Through note addition

Question 16

How long is each melodic cell?

Answer 16

One bar

Question 17

Repetitive melody cells in polyphony create…

Answer 17

Resultant melodies