ET: Flying Theme

Question 1

What is the Texture of ET? (6)

Answer 1

• Dominated by various types of homophonic textures.
• Melody dominated homophony (9).
• Ostinato (1-8).
• Imitation in horns the 5th time the main theme repeats.
• Pedal notes (1-8), (9-11), (13-14).
• Octave doubling.

Question 2

What is the Structure of ET? (4)

Answer 2

• 5 repetitions of the main theme (first heard: 9-14).
• 2 contrasting sections separate some main theme sections.
• Begins with intro, ends with a coda.
• Main theme only appears in tonic (C), and dominant (G)

Question 3

Describe the Harmony and Tonality of ET: (6)

Answer 3

• Tonal with a diatonic feel.
• Tonic (Cmajor).
• More complex chords and progressions are used in a non-functional way.
• Root position and 1st inversion mainly used.
• Dim 7th used to substitute chord V (34) and (55).
• Modulations not achieved in conventional way: music slips chromatically.

Question 4

What is the Melody like in ET? (5)

Answer 4

• Unsettled quaver rhythm in contrasting section comes from flute countermelody in previous section.
• 8 bar melody (main theme).
• Rising 5th idea- also used in Star Wars.
• Main theme= developed in free sequence.
• Intervals are much smaller in contrasting section.

Question 5

Describe the Rhythm and Metre of ET: (6)

Answer 5

• Straightforward accessible approach.
• 2/2 or 3/2 used.
• Little use of syncopation.
• Regular repeated quaver accompaniment: sense of momentum.
• Triplet quavers in coda- only time triplets were used.
• Contrasting sections= restless rhythms.

Question 6

Describe the Context and Forces of ET: (6)

Answer 6

• Composed by John Williams in 1982.
• From scene when the bicycle lifts off the ground.
• Often writes in the style of late romantic era.
• Full symphony orchestra used.
• Film music
• Lots of doubling of parts