Rey's Theme (John Williams)

Question 1

Describe the instrumentation. Make four points.

Answer 1

Celeste and flute in the opening bars sound soft. Has connotations of innocence and childhood

Trumpets and horns are used to give the piece a militaristic feel with its carrying sound. Builds excitement

There is a harp glissando before motif C is sounded. Creates dreamy aspects within the heroic atmosphere

Violas play tremolo strings when motif A is understated in the violins. Develops the suspense and anticipation

Question 2

Describe the harmony/ tonality. Make five points.

Answer 2

Pitched percussion play dense diatonic chords for motif B. It wants to drive onward to the climactic moment

Mainly seconds and thirds in motif B played by pitched percussion. It’s simple and effective, like Rey’s character

In a minor pentatonic, to hide elements of sadness within the playful atmosphere created by the flute and celeste

Chromatic stepwise ascent when motif B is heard for the second time before the climax. Builds a gallant ambience

Immediately after motif C is established, there is an F major seventh chord. Jazz chord is regarded as reflective

Question 3

Describe the texture. Make two points.

Answer 3

Monophonic, with one part writing with unpretentious flute and celeste playing motif A in intro. Builds the tension

Polyphonic when full orchestra enters playing motif C. Regarded as climactic, as it is a wash of different colours

Question 4

Describe the rhythm/ tempo. Make four points.

Answer 4

Staccato notes on beats one and three of flute and celeste’s motif A in opening bars. Regarded as a playful gallop

Towards the end, the celeste slows piece down with a repetition of motif A. This builds the tension and anticipation

Near the end, there is a brief metric change from quadruple to sextuple time. Change in mood from heroic to solemn

Conducted in quadruple time. Most suitable for reflecting marches, authoritative characters and bravery