Mad Tea Party (Unsuk Chin)

Question 1

Describe the instrumentation. Make four points.

Answer 1

Swannee whistles, which is considered unusual in full orchestra, is sounded before upper string motif

Pitched percussion, like marimba and xylophone, are used to make the music mechanical sounding

Muted trumpets play accented clashing quavers. Subdued sound reinforces idea of someone attacking

Bending of notes are added in harmonica and solo clarinet playing in high tessitura. Mimics intro whistle

Question 2

Describe the harmony/ tonality. Make three points.

Answer 2

First interpretations of key is C major, yet there is a flattened dominant note, making it sound diminished

Viola notes in motif struggle to keep up with violins high pitched chromatic scales, creating dissonance

Multiphonic notes are played in solo clarinet after it bends upwards. Reinforces the dissonant clashing chords

Question 3

Describe the texture. Make two points.

Answer 3

Polyphonic introduction, with violas playing the motif coloured by rapid tremolo violins in a high tessitura

Homophonic with rapid piano scales and off beat metallic pitched percussion, like steel drums. Tension building

Question 4

Describe the rhythm/ tempo. Make six points.

Answer 4

Motif heard in intro performed by upper strings is off the beat. Syncopation drives music forward restlessly

Allegro introduction, with tremolo upper strings spiralling the music towards the climax as a head start

Accented notes on beats one, three and four of upper strings before marimba solo create cross rhythm effect

Sudden accented notes with pitched percussion after establishment of muted trumpets. Element of surprise

Because ambiguous when trumpets, bending trombones and piccolo flutes establish the polyphonic texture

Excessive amounts of hemiolas are used before opera singing begins. Loses all familiarity in terms of pulse