Jurassic Park Theme (John Williams) Flashcards
Area of Study 3
Describe the instrumentation. Make five points.
Strings broaden main theme. Increases rich atmosphere which creates a romantic, anachronistic style
Trumpets and horns are used to play prevailing two note figure. Fanfare like sound creates celebratory feel
Each instrument of score gradually gets higher in register with each statement of main theme. Regarded as climactic
Harp plays ascending scale before string orchestra sounds main theme. Reinforces dreamy and cheerful atmosphere
Unpitched percussion, such as cymbals and tom rolls, understate the action of the dinosaurs. Regarded as
Describe the harmony/ tonality. Make three points.
In a major key that completely ejects minor chords from score. Creates a warm positive sound, increasing emotional content
Consists of mainly chords one, four and five, all of which are major. Reinforces the cheerful and victorious atmosphere
Prevailing two note figure wants to return to tonic note of key chord. Soothing, as it fixes audience’s gaze on the dinosaurs
Describe the texture. Make four points.
Theme follows along with melody line over chordal accompaniment. Creates an atmosphere of awe and excitement
String orchestra plays together main theme before the sounding of prevailing two note figure. Creates familiarity in chords
Begins monophonic with the piano playing the main theme. Symbolises the independency and freedom of the dinosaurs
Polyphonic during the sounding of the prevailing two note figure in full orchestra. Symbolises variation in the dinosaurs
Describe the rhythm/ tempo. Make three points.
Alignment between melody and accompaniment in string section sounds hymn like with its chordal texture. Heartfelt
Constantly at a walking pace throughout understatement of main theme. Drives the action forward at a perfect pace
Conducted mainly in a simple quadruple time. Marching feel reinforces the victorious, heroic and celebratory atmosphere
