Graceland

Question 1

Dynamics

Answer 1

Dynamics do not vary at all

Question 2

Rhythm

Answer 2

• Bass drum on all crotchet beats, and a snare drum and hi hat on off beats
• Hand claps play throughout the piece to maintain rhythmic interest
• Lead vocals are often quite free rhythmically, and the opening phrase has triplet quavers and a dotted rhythm

Question 3

Sonority

Answer 3

Mix of Western and African Performers
- Percussion, electric guitar, fretless bass
- Driving rhythm from the drum kit
- Pedal steel guitar which plays short, 2 bar, syncopated patterns
- Fretless bass uses glissandos at the opening of the song

Question 4

Melody

Answer 4

• Mostly conjunct, with lots of descending phrases to the verse
• E major scale, range of an octave in the vocal lead
• Most word setting is syllabic
• Lots of triadic movement including repeated notes

Question 5

Structure

Answer 5

• Verse/Chorus form typical of popular music
• Long instrumental introduction, then singing enters
• Multi tracking allows Paul Simon to sing a harmony line with his vocals

Question 6

Texture

Answer 6

Melody and accompaniment throughout

Question 7

Harmony

Answer 7

• Diatonic harmony, using chords of E major
• Use of primary triads
• The main chords are I, IV, and V
• There is a simple two part harmony between the vocals and backing vocals