Samba

Question 1

Melody

Answer 1

The first and second verses have different melodies
The melody line goes very low, covering the range of a minor tenth
Many verse 1 phrases are arpeggiated rising in the notes of the chord
Verse 2 is almost completely conjunct, with several sequences
Includes flattened fifths (jazzy)
Some ornaments - mordents

Question 2

Harmony

Answer 2

Lots of extended chords, typical of jazz
Main chords are mostly tonal, with occasional chromatic chords like C major
Some diminished chords
Occasional descending bassline (verse 2)
Sections often end in perfect cadences

Question 3

Texture

Answer 3

Mainly homophonic
Intro is monophonic
Voice and bass duet is polyphonic
Complicated bassline can give the piece a polyphonic feel

Question 4

Structure

Answer 4

Verse form
Verse 1, verse 2, guitar solo, voice and bass duet

Question 5

Metre + Tempo

Answer 5

4/4 most of the time
Start of the piece is free time
Verse 1 has a slower tempo than the rest of the song

Question 6

Tonality

Answer 6

Main tonality is B minor
Doesn’t modulate
Bossa novas are usually in minor keys, reflecting the lamenting tone of the lyrics

Question 7

Rhythm

Answer 7

Very syncopated
Lots of rubato in verse 1 (expressive slowing down and speeding up)
Vocal part has triplets and semiquavers, with frequent rests
The final duet is less syncopated

Question 8

Instruments

Answer 8

Female voice is alto
Acoustic guitar joins in at verse 2
Also uses the acoustic bass guitar
Acoustic bass uses double stopping
Uses harmonics (an overtone played by lightly touching a string)