Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner, Star Wars (John Williams)

Question 1

Key

Answer 1

B flat major

Question 2

Purpose

Answer 2

Underscoring - adds to mood and reinforces dramatic development of characters - accompanied opening credits
Non diegetic - character not aware of music

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Intro - main theme (three part ternary) - link - ‘Rebel Blockade Runner’ theme - link - ‘March’ - codetta

Question 4

Harmony and Tonality

Answer 4

Quartal harmony - based on 4th and 7th (superimposed 4th)
Added sixth chords (major/minor triad with added sixth)
Neapolitan chords (built on flattened supersonic)

Question 5

Leitmotif

Answer 5

Theme associated with particular theme, character

Question 6

Luke Skywalker theme

Answer 6

Strong, bold, heroic - played by full symphony orchestra
Key of B-flat major + diatonic - triumphant
Strong opening perfect fifth: tonic (Bflat) to dominant (F)
Fourths and sevenths
Fanfare elements - brass + loud
Triples + 4/4 - marching

Question 7

Main Star Wars Theme

Answer 7

Triplet arpeggios - 4ths - quartal harmony
Repeated tonic notes
Stepwise + leaps (4ths + 7ths)
Neapolitan chords - built on flattened 2nd - clashing harmony shows conflict
Contrary motion of Bflat minor (18)
Repeated dominant prep - Theme A

Question 8

‘Rebel Blockade Runner’ Theme

Answer 8

Quieter, lighter in texture, very slow
Longer note lengths - static
High piccolo - stars - (underscoring)
Flutes - high C trills - eerie
Polytonal chords - clashing harmony - clashing
Scalic stings - quick rhythms - exciting

Question 9

‘March’

Answer 9

Fortissimo + tutti (full orchestra) chords
Tonic C pedal - C minor - bad guys
Fast tempo - chase
Neapolitan chord - dramatic tension
Triplet ostinato - military rhythm - conflict

Question 10

Codetta

Answer 10

Short end - fast tempo + driving ostinato
Dramatic
End - suddenly pp + long pedal C

Question 11

Intro

Answer 11

BRASS FANFARES

Short, played loudly, and has percussion