Sondheim - Morning of the Dragon

Question 1

Melody

Answer 1

Motif of the lyrics “morning of the dragon” oscillate around an A (could be argued as an inner pedal)
Large leaps of perfect 5th contrasts cromatic interchange of notes
Vocal register also increases
Complex polyphony

Question 2

Harmony

Answer 2

Bass crochetsvsteadily digress taking the hermony to new unexpected places
Minor 2nd is a constant motif, tight interval (the dragon creeping up on you)
Descending sequence of whole tones b.141 (clash of two worlds and descent of emotion)
False relations b.56 (jarring effect)

Question 3

Tonality

Answer 3

Predominant key is d minor

Begins in F# minor

Question 4

Structure

Answer 4

Irregular phrases

Short angular vocal phrases

Question 5

Sonority (Timbre)

Answer 5

Use of sprechstimme (dramatic vocalistion)

Contrast of solo and vocal groups

Question 6

Tempo, Metre, Rhythm

Answer 6

Change of metres
4/4 section emphasised with bass crochets - march like
Structured in vertical lines - milatary
12/8 light relief, quadruple time lilting feel alos creates rushed feelin
Triplet rhtymn empahise words “closing” and “burning”
Sharp precise rhythms e.g double dotted crochet semiquaver.
Cross rhythms