Jill's Theme (Ennio Morricone)

Question 1

Describe the instrumentation. Make four points.

Answer 1

Upper strings play main tune in higher range. Regarded as mystic and dramatic sounding

Solo wordless singer sounds the main tune for the first time. Ghostly when ascending to the G

Oboe and horn play monophonically after wordless singer’s solo. Mellow and humble sounding

Horn is heard again at the end. Sounds heroic and modest, which is similar to Jill’s character

Question 2

Describe the harmony/ tonality. Make five points.

Answer 2

Main tune is shaped with sixth intervals. Produces emotional content that drives forward effectively

Key ascends by a semitone from D to E flat major to show Jill’s ascent towards a better life

Plagal progression heard in lower strings during wordless singer’s solo. Emotional and honest sounding

Made up of a primary progression containing chords one, four and five. Simple, but intense

Main tune ends with a D major seventh chord. This jazz chord sounds crisp and widens the cool tone

Question 3

Describe the texture. Make two points.

Answer 3

Guitars play monophonically in a stepwise motion. Shows Jill’s longing for a simpler life

Mainly homophonic throughout in order to reinforce the idea of Jill’s longing for a simpler life

Question 4

Describe the rhythm/ tempo. Make four points.

Answer 4

Slow with lots of anticipation added from weak to strong beats, which gives a lilting and relaxed pace

Consists of variations on the turn figure, which is regarded as intense and romantic sounding

Introduction is in compound time due to anticipation, which reinforces the steady, calm pace

Stepwise motion through a third in lower strings of main tune. Reflects Jill’s life transition from old to new