Rebel Blockade Runner

Question 1

describe the performing forces and their handling

Answer 1

1. a full symphony orchestra is used (strings, woodwind, brass and percussion)
2. percussion instruments are cymbals, timpani, triangle and snare drum
3. there is doubling of parts to create a thick texture
4. thin textures and solo timbres are used sparingly and not common
5. electronic sounds/ synthesisers are avoided despite this technology being popular at the time

Question 2

describe the texture of the piece

Answer 2

1. mostly melody-dominated homophony with block chordal/arpeggiated accompaniment
2. pedal notes are frequent (e.g dominant pedal in bar 12)
3. ostinato at the end of the piece

Question 3

describe the tonality of the piece

Answer 3

1. in clear Bb major for the first 29 bars
2. from bar 30 onwards, the piece’s tonality becomes more unstable and dissonant is frequent
3. at bar 36 the music modulates to C major (with added Ab and a Bb in the piccolo melody)
4. from bar 41 onward the music is based more around C (often as a bass pedal)
5. there are bitonal and almost atonal elements due to complex chords and harsh dissonance

Question 4

describe the harmony of the piece

Answer 4

1. predominantly tonal
2. quartal harmony is frequently used
3. dissonant and foreign chords are also used to produce unstable effects
4. use or tritone in bar 44 (Db against G)

Question 5

describe the melody in the piece

Answer 5

1. Both A and B begin with an anacrusis (upbeat)
2. The use of perfect 5ths and 4ths in A creates a more triumphant feel
3. The combination of triplet quavers to give excitement and minims in A create tension.
4. B has a less forceful character through stepwise movement less punctuating accompaniment.

Question 6

describe the rhythm, tempo and metre

Answer 6

1. 4/4 metre reflects the ‘military’ nature of the war between imperial forces
2. from bar 33 onwards, the metre becomes much less clear
3. at the end, there is a sudden change of tempo, driving the extract to its conclusion