Graceland Flashcards
What does the title Graceland refer to
Memphis Home of elvis Presley
What is the context of Graceland
Reassessment of his life-
Written after failed marriage to Carrie fisher
“Grace”- biblical love given freely and not earned- “Graceland” seen as a state of grace in which we are all welcome
What are the cultural references in Graceland
Civil war
“Poor boys”- needy people
National guitar
What is the structure and form like in Graceland
Pop-song form
Bass and guitar riffs
Few instrumental breaks
What is the tonality like in Graceland
E Major throughout
No key change- purely diatonic
Unusual end- no final tonic chord
What are the key feature of melody in Graceland
Mostly syllabic- pop song- however occasional melisma “losing love”
Repetitive nature of tone- mirrors nature of a travelling journey
Descending contour of major 6th
Melody in Graceland 2
Mixture of conjunct and disjunct movement
Interval of major 3rd always used in “Graceland”
What are the features of harmony in Graceland
Extensive use of primary triads in African tradition however some use of a mixolydian natural d
V-IV progression typically african
Slow and steady harmonic rhythm
Perfect and imperfect cadences
What are the textural features in Graceland
Homophonic/melody and accompani
Call and response between vocals and guitar in verse 1
What are the instruments used in Graceland
Pedal steel guitar
Fret less bass- commonly used in African music
National guitar- twangy sound- favoured among country musicians
What is the tempo metre and rhythm like in Graceland
Moderato tempo with fairly fast feel( like wheels on a journey)
4/4 time sig
Regular use of anacrusis at beginning of phrases
Syncopation throughout-use of tied, dotted notes and triplets
What are dynamics and articulation like in Graceland
Mostly mezzo forte
Fade out at end
Vocals mostly Legato- opening bars not
What are the American folk examples in graceland
Pedal steel guitar
Emphasising the backbeat with the snare drum
Time sig of 4/4
Pop song form
What are the South African references in graceland
Extensive use of primary chords
Mainly major tonality
Fret less bass
Isicathamaya
Chordal texture
