Shawshank Redemption

Question 1

who did the music?

Shawshank Redemption

Answer 1

Thomas Newman

Question 2

what’s the piece called?

Shawshank Redemption

Answer 2

Shawshank Prison - Stoic Theme

Question 3

Shawshank Redemption

rhythm

Answer 3

-slow rhythms used for majority of piece

-

Question 4

Shawshank Redemption

timbre

Answer 4

-

Question 5

Shawshank Redemption

harmony

Answer 5

• Use of a B flat, the minor 7th to C, makes the listener want it to be answered by the C a tone above in the next bar, however it always returns to the lower C, and the pattern starts again. This could represent how any attempt to escape Shawshank is always crushed, like how Andy tried to use an eyewitness to prove his innocence, but they are shot by the corrupt prison guard.
• Dissonant notes used throughout to present Shawshank as a menacing place. Examples include: Uses of D in the viola part upon the ostinato’s restart, creating a dissonant sounding major 2nd. Viola part including A naturals in bars 12, 14 and 16, clashing with the B flat played in the bass ostinato.

Question 6

Shawshank Redemption

melody

Answer 6

• slow moving legato melody; monotony of prison
• melody repeated with small changes each time

• Monotony of prison life represented through cello and double bass part, with a slow ascending bassline ostinato being repeated for the majority of the cue.

Question 7

Shawshank Redemption

dynamics

Answer 7

• mp beginning
• slow rises in dynamics, however little change
• crescendo in the middle loudest part, slight sense of hope but quickly fades

Question 8

Shawshank Redemption

texture

Answer 8

• horns have a slight counter melody, however it goes quickly
• mainly melody and accompaniment between stings