Something's Coming

Question 1

How is the piece structured?

Answer 1

Intro

Main section split into A and B
A B B2 A2

Outro

Question 2

Describe the texture

Answer 2

Homophonic - melody with an accompaniment

Question 3

What instruments are in the large pit orchestra that accompanies Tony’s singing?

Answer 3

Strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, saxophones, drumkit, piano and guitars

Question 4

Features of the vocal melody

Answer 4

Syllabic
Short phrases at the start
Longer more lyrical phrases
Word painting ‘cannon-balling down through the sky’/ ‘the air is humming’

Question 5

What type of singer is Tony?

Answer 5

Tenor

Question 6

When was the piece written?

Answer 6

1957 for the musical ‘West Side Story’

Question 7

What is the tempo in the piece?

Answer 7

Starts in 3/4 and later goes to 2/4

Question 8

How is the vocal melody sung?

Answer 8

Breath singing style to show excitement
Push rhythms - starts before bar does
Syncopated rhythms

Question 9

What shows the jazz influence of the piece?

Answer 9

Extended chords (7ths and 9ths)
Syncopated rhythms 
Accompaniment from drum kit, saxophones, electric guitar, pizzicato double bass