Star Wars

Question 1

Star Wars

Answer 1

Main Theme,

John Williams,

1977,

Leitmotifs create a heroic sound with loud dynamics.

Question 2

Star Wars Melody

Answer 2

Intervals of a 4th and a 7th,

Opening fanfare,

Triplet quaver rhythm,

Rising contour based on Bb and F,

B forms a contrast as violins play octaves and dynamics are less forceful,

More stepwise movement in B.

Question 3

Star Wars Dynamics

Answer 3

Ff to start in A,

B is Mf but bars 18 to 20 which is Ff,

36-41 is p,

42-End is Ff.

Question 4

Star Wars Tonality

Answer 4

1-29 Bb Major (easier for brass to play)

Tonic pedal on Bb in bars 1-6,

Dominant pedal on F in bars 11-14,

Phrases end with F for imperfect cadences,

Second half is atonal,

Dissonant chords,

Ab Minor clashes with Pedal C

Question 5

Star Wars Structure

Answer 5

ABA to bar 29,

B 11-20,

Second half sets the scene for the movie,

39-60 Leitmotif with sudden orchestral outburst.

Question 6

Star Wars Harmony

Answer 6

Quartal Harmony in the first 7 bars,

Root poistion chords with added notes,

Some chromaticism

Question 7

Star Wars: Instrumentation

Answer 7

Large Scale Orchestra

Question 8

Star Wars Rhythm

Answer 8

4/4 time for a military like mood,

Triplet figures are typical of fanfares,

Syncopated accompaniment in 4-6 and 21-24 adds to the excitement,

3/4 time after bar 44 and slows in bars 47-50,

Last 10 bars are faster

Question 9

Star Wars Texture

Answer 9

Mainly homophonic, melody and accompaniment,

Some imitation,

Ostinato in C from 51-end.