Portman 2008

Question 1

Context

Answer 1

Period drama based on controversial life of Georgina Cavendish
Influenced by composers from the Classical period, Beethoven, Haydn with some modern inflections
Unlike the Batman, focused on creating an impression of the time and place

Question 2

Melody

Answer 2

Predominantly uses Classical elements with modern inflections
Triadic and scalic melodies
Regular phrase lengths
Create an atmosphere instead of directly mirroring screen action

Question 3

Triadic and scalic melodies

Answer 3

TD, A,Triadic 2 bar idea expanded by sequence with auxiliary notes used later in cue
B, D maj triad, descends in later phrases from tonic to subdue via modal flat leading note, characteristic of Classical music with modal inflections, more modern

Question 4

Regular phrase lengths

Answer 4

SYL, 2 bar ascending and descending triadic idea with occasional chromatic lower auxiliary
(Before, Emma, balanced phrases) characteristic of Classical music, chromaticism was a more modern feature

Question 5

Create an impression instead of directly mirroring screen action

Answer 5

MOYL, A, ascending conjunct G min scale, sombre mood of scene
B, Auxiliaries, rising, falling minor 6th,(Before, Schindlers List, expressive 5ths, 7ths) Her life is falling apart

Question 6

Harmony

Answer 6

Predominantly tonal with elements of non functional harmony
Little or no use of conventional cadences
Frequent use of I VMin progression, small range of chords used
Dissonances used often

Question 7

Little or no use of conventional cadences

Answer 7

NSYCA, unhappy incomplete life without her children

(Schindler’s List, John Williams, many cadence points, symbolise the end of the Jews’ journey out of Germany,

Question 8

Frequent use of I Vmin progression, small range of chords

Answer 8

SYL, D, Am progression, modal harmony (Gymnopedie No 1, Ionian, Dorian, Mixolydian, Phrygian mode used)

Question 9

Dissonant harmony

Answer 9

MOYL, dissonant min 9th, 11th
NSYCA, 2nds and 3rds simultaneously
MOYL, 2nd inversion at end, unstable inversion, reflect overall mood

Question 10

Texture

Answer 10

Predominantly mel dom hom
Ostinati textures
Pedal

Question 11

Predominantly mel dom hom

Answer 11

TD, supported by quaver accompaniment (Main Theme Music, Poldark, quaver piano accompaniment) Support melody, characteristic of Classical music

Question 12

Ostinati textures

Answer 12

MOYL, Timpani texture, almost heartbeat-like,

(After, Downton Abbey, Lunn) reflect atmosphere of film

Question 13

Pedal

Answer 13

TD, tonic bass, reinforce tonality, characteristic of Classical music

Question 14

Tonality

Answer 14

Modes

Very few modulations as cues are very short

Question 15

Use of modes

Answer 15

TD, D Mixolydian modern elements in period drama music
NSYCA, D Aeolian with dissonant resolution, reflects uncertain future
(Gnossienne no 4, Satie, known for his use of modes)

Question 16

Very few modulations as cues are very short

Answer 16

MOYL, Briefly passes through A min from G min, contrast

Question 17

Sonority

Answer 17

Limited orchestral palate
Instrumental writing restrained and non virtuosic but string dominated
Each instrument has a function

Question 18

Limited orchestral palate

Answer 18

Uses instruments present in the Classical period,

(Before, Emma, Portman, Classical period instrumentation) reflect time period of film

Question 19

Instrumental writing restrained and non virtuosic but string dominated

Answer 19

TD, strings are very triadic and avoid extreme ranges and dynamics,
(After, Poldark, Dudley, restraiend) characteristic of Classical music, favored simplicity and balance

Question 20

Function of strings

Answer 20

Melodic interest particularly in upper strings, arpeggiated figures, pizz off beat chords, (Before, Schindlers List, violin has the melody) characteristic of Classical music

Question 21

Function of woodwinds, horns, trumpet

Answer 21

Harmonic filling, doubling, characteristic of Classical music

Question 22

Function of timpani

Answer 22

MOYL, heartbeat-like ostinato, reflect mood

Question 23

Function of piano

Answer 23

MOYL, Plaintive middle range melody over upward arpeggio figures
(Before, Gnossiene No 4, Satie, melancholic melodies)

Question 24

Rhythm, tempo and metre

Answer 24

Tempo, metre reflect mood
Continuous quaver movement
Ostinati

Question 25

Moderately fast in 4/4

Answer 25

TD, characteristic of Classical music

Question 26

Brisk waltz in 6/8

Answer 26

SYL, Excitement for the future

Main Titles, Emma, chamber music at soiree, dance like

Question 27

Slow in 3/4

Answer 27

MOYL, NSYCA, reflect sombre mood

Question 28

Continuous quaver movement

Answer 28

TD, create excitement and anticipation Opening titles, Poldark, continuous quaver piano accompaniment)
SYL, traditional oom cha cha accompaniment, excitement for the future

Question 29

Ostinati

Answer 29

MOYL, NSYCA, ominous heartbeat-like timpani ostinato, reflect sombre mood

Question 30

Structure

Answer 30

Score less concerned with matching specific images to the course of the music then the creation of a more generally expressive underscore
Traces of formal musical organization and symmetry

Question 31

Score less concerned with matching specific images to the course of the music than the creation of a more generally expressive underscore

Answer 31

(Batman Returns, Elfman, matches screen action)

Question 32

Traces of formal musical organization and symmetry

Answer 32

TD, 3 separate themes heard sequentially, no development but will be developed in other cues to create unity within cues

MOYL, Intro followed by 2 themes in alternation, resemble motifs from TD

SYL, Waltz, reprise of TD,

NSYCA, Through composed, atmospheric