John Williams: Superman, Main Theme

Question 1

General information about band

Answer 1

1932.
Jaws and star-wars.
Superman-1978.

Question 2

Instrumentation

Answer 2

Trumpets,horns,cymbals,trombones,bass clarinet,triangle,harp

Question 3

Melody

Answer 3

A tonic pedal point is provided by a timpani roll, over which the fanfare theme A is played by trumpets and horns.
Theme B is played by trumpets and is punctuated with full orchestral chords,cymbal crashes,triangle rolls and fragments of the ostinato rhythm in lower strings and timpani.
The rising legato melody in the horns is the love theme (theme C) though the ostinato rhythm is still present in the string background.

Question 4

Harmony and tonality

Answer 4

C major-ends in G major.
1.41- the harmonies are mainly major triads (Db,C,F) to which dissonant major sevenths have been added.
1.52- the harmony suddenly changes to Db major over the Gb in the bass thereby producing further tension.
0.22- the rhythmic ostinato on lower strings,bass clarinet and tuba anticipates the 12/8 time signature of the march.

Question 5

Time signatures

Answer 5

4/4 alternating with 12/8