Seachanges - compositional techniques

Question 1

Use of a melodic cell.

Answer 1

A 3 note cell (GAC) is central to seachanges. The cell is altered and develops throughout the work. The intervals within the 3 note cell are the basis of the flute and marimba parts

Question 2

Use of bar rests

Answer 2

Used, especially in the intro , to create a sense of drama and unpredictability.

Question 3

Irregularity

Answer 3

The composer uses extremes in dynamic and pitch.
he frequently changes the time signature and tempo.
He clashes tonal sounds with atonal sounds.
These create a sense of order vs disorder within the work.

Question 4

Inversion

Answer 4

The 3 note cell (GAC) is inverted and played as (GFD)

Question 5

subtraction principle

Answer 5

The main melody is played with its 6 notes, and then with its first five notes, and so on, until only one note from the melody is played

Question 6

Addition

Answer 6

The melody starts with one note, then two, then three, until it plays a 7 note melody

Question 7

dimunition

Answer 7

the note values of the main melody are shortened

Question 8

augmentation

Answer 8

the note values of the main melody are lengthened

Question 9

canon

Answer 9

the dies irae is inverted and played in canon by the marimba and violin in bar 93

Question 10

retrograde

Answer 10

played on the marimba at the start of bar 94
the marimba in bar 94 is a retrograde of the marimba in bar 93- played a fifth higher

retrograde - the inverse of the series of notes is played in reverse order’