Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner From Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope

Question 1

Main motif features

Answer 1

The score opens with a bright fanfare triplet rhythm in bars 1 to 3 and the orchestra launches into the heroic Skywalker Leitmotif in bar 4. The Skywalker Leitmotif is repeated a number of times by the brass section and is instantly recognisable.

Question 2

Features of film compositon

Answer 2

Varyingorchestration - depending on the genre or budget of the film, the amount or type of ensemble can change. For example Star Wars utilises a full-size orchestra, whereas a film like Blade Runner uses mainly synthesisers.
No set structure - the music accompanies what happens on the screen. This means that the lengths of bars and lengths of phrases need to react at any given point.
Leitmotif - an instantly recognisable theme that represents a character in the film. The initial idea is then developed in tandem with the character’s story and the repeating ostinatos in the music help with this.
Wide range ofdynamicsand expression - the music needs to reflect the screen visuals. For example, if there is a car chase onscreen, then the music should be quick in tempo.
Non-diatonicharmonies - the build-up and release of tension in a film score is an important device. Creating dissonant chords and playing them at the right time can have an impact on the film’s storytelling.
Frequent changes ofmetre (time signature) - convey what is happening on screen.
Quartal harmony - harmonies that are built upon intervals of fourths, which creates a feeling of suspense.
Frequent tempo changes - another way of conveying a change in mood in the film.
Doubling of parts - to emphasise a part of the story, eg when a character is becoming stronger and is overcoming an enemy

Question 3

Instrumentation

Answer 3

trumpet
trombone
horn
timpani
harp
violins
strings
flute

Question 4

Form and structure

Answer 4

The film begins with the Star Wars logo and the music reflects the dramatic visual with a four-bar fanfare. This section is the introduction

The scrolling text tells the story up to the start of the film, which is when the main leitmotif is introduced

The violin plays a contrasting B theme melody before the A theme returns. This section is in ternary form - A-B-A.

Question 5

Dynamics

Answer 5

Dynamics play a very important role in this piece. The opening fanfare is fortissimo (ff), emphasising the call for attention. The main theme continues at ff helping to give a strong military feel supported by marching rhythms in the percussion. The contrasting B section is played at mezzo forte (mf) and by the string section, which suggests that the film will feature other themes

The piccolo melody link is played at a piano (p) and at a very high pitch, which conveys the sense of mystery of the stars and planets.

During the codetta, the Rebel Blockade Runner leitmotif is again ff, as shots are fired between the spaceships

Question 6

Texture

Answer 6

There is a clear melody with the entire orchestra playing homophonic accompaniment for the majority of the piece. This overall texture is known as melody-dominated homophony. The opening fanfare includes imitation between the lower and upper brass

Question 7

Metre and rhythm

Answer 7

The metre is 4/4 and a tempo of 100 bpm. This gives a military and marching feel. Syncopated block chords accompany the main melody and there are many triplet pedal ostinatos, such as in bars 30 and 51.

The piccolo link in bars 36 to 38 has longer notes, which gives the illusion of a slower tempo - however, the original pulse is actually maintained