Queen

Question 1

Melody

Answer 1

Word setting is mainly syllabic
Conjunct with some leaps
Melody has a wide range
Utilises backing vocalisation
Vocal part includes falsetto and spoken word
Uses slides on ‘queen’
Uneven phrases - 6/8 bar
Word painting on ‘wild’ and ‘laser beam’ - effects/flanger

Question 2

Harmony

Answer 2

Uses altered and extended chords - 7ths and 11ths
Circle of Fifths progression in the chorus
Perfect cadences precede key changes - functional harmony
Pedal in verse 2
Ascending and descending basslines

Question 3

Texture

Answer 3

Texture is mainly homophonic
The beginning of the song is monophonic
Layers build up gradually
The guitar solo uses 3-part texture
Sounds are spread out using panning
Imitation in the guitar solo
Can feel polyphonic or antiphonal at times due to the guitar parts and panned backing vocals

Question 4

Structure

Answer 4

Verse-chorus form

Question 5

Metre + Tempo

Answer 5

Main time signature is 12/8
This gives the piece a swung feel
There is a steady moderate tempo of 112
There are occasional bars of 6/8

Question 6

Tonality

Answer 6

Tonality is initially ambiguous
Main tonality is Eb major
Chorus is in Bb major
Ends in Eb major

Question 7

Rhythm

Answer 7

Uses dotted rhythms, which gives it a swung feel
Syncopation throughout
Each section begins with an upbeat (anacrusis)
Some triplet near the start

Question 8

Instruments

Answer 8

High tenor voice
Piano
Electric guitar
Bass
Drum kit
Overdubbed backing vocals
4 guitar parts - overdubbed
Jangle piano
Effects - multi-tracking, flanger, wah-wah, reverb
Guitar part uses slides, bends, vibrato, pull-offs.