Herrmann, Psycho, Murder/Shower Scene

Question 1

What is the structure of the murder/shower scene?

Answer 1

1st half: 8 note repeated cluster chord (stabbing)
2nd half: descending chords (Marian dies)

Question 2

What is made an exception in the 1st half?

Answer 2

No use of mutes
(sonority)

Question 3

What enters in cannon in the 1st half?

Answer 3

8 note cluster chord
Down bows
Sfs
Diminished octaves/major 7ths

Question 4

What is added when the 8 note cluster chord is repeated in the 1st half?

Answer 4

Added gliss

Question 5

What string techniques are used in the 1st half?

Answer 5

Arco & pitz
(sonority)

Question 6

what kind of tritones are used in the 1st half?

Answer 6

Interlocking

Question 7

Describe the 2nd half

Answer 7

Alternating arco & pitzz chords between upper strings & low bass

Question 8

What tritone is used in the 2nd half?

Answer 8

Unstable
Devils interval
Banned 1600-1700s in church music
(harmony)

Question 9

How is Marian’s death depicted using the music?

Answer 9

Descending C to F# modulation as Marian falls to ground & dies

Question 10

How is the music used instead of as melody?

Answer 10

Sound effect