John Williams Flashcards
context of a new hope
Released for star wars episode IV in 1977
Sees the Rebel Alliance trying to destroy the Galactic Empires Space Station, the Death Star.
Dynamics
starts in ff
after middle section moves to f
ends in pp to set up the next scene
rhythm
starts with iconic triplets
Bar 42 tutti
bar 44 changes to 3/4
20 and 47 rit/ritando (gradual slow down)
march feel using timpanis to symbolise warlike nature
structure
ternary structure (ABA)
Opening fanfare
Link sections
A march
A codetta (is a brief conclusion, a dominant–tonic cadence at the end of the exposition that may be repeated several times for emphasis)
typical fanfare
short and loud celebratory piece of music import ceremonies or grand events
usually played with brass instruments
main melody
written in Bb major so jump to F major creates a bold sound that reflects the qualities of luke skywalker
melodic developments
Chromaticism used in bar 28.
The contrasting B Section has longer notes within the main melody and is quieter with the woodwind section playing the melody rather than the brass and strings.
Instrumentation
full symphony orchestra
brass leads the fanfare and dominates the A section
Woodwind is more prominent in the B section
B section
piccolo with harp accompaniment
Flutes trill the note C to add tension
texture
mostly Homophony and MDH
dominant pedal
a sustained note on fifth of the scale (found in bar 11)
intervals in the chords
lots of fourths (bar 2) and sevenths
the piece demonstrates quartal harmony
(there is also sometimes chromaticism in the harmony e.g. bar 33)
What is the Neapolitan chord (not the ice cream unfortunately)
Its when chord II(the superdominant) is flattened. It causes ambiguity in the key’
Found in bar 53-56 when the key is C major. Creates contrast with the heroic quality
