Killer Queen

Question 1

Melody

Answer 1

• Text setting mainly syllabic
• Backing vocals words and vocalisations (Bars 8-9)
• Melody starts mostly conjunct
• Verse and chorus combine conjunct and disjunct melody
• Leaps often a rising major sixth (Bars 6-7)

Question 2

Texture

Answer 2

• Mainly Homophonic
• Use of imitation
• Use of layering
• Three part texture guitar solo
• Anitiphonal (Bard 67-68)

Question 3

Harmony and Tonality

Answer 3

• Eb Major
• Most chords in root position, occasional inversions
• Dissonance (Bar 30)
• Circle of Fifths in Chorus (Bars 20-21)
• Heavy use of altered or extended chords (F11 in Bar 47)

Question 4

Tempo and Rhythm

Answer 4

• 112 Beats per minute, moderate
• In 12/8 compound quadruple time
• Frequent syncopation
• Could also be written 3/4 swung

Question 5

Background

Answer 5

• Released 1974
• Glam Rock genre
• Diverged from classic rock with adventorous harmonies and tonalities

Question 6

Instruments

Answer 6

• Freddie Mercury is a high tenor
• Honky Tonk piano overdubbed
• Guitar uses slides, bends, pull offs, hammer ons