Star Wars

Question 1

Dynamics

Answer 1

• varying dynamics –> dramatic effect
• fortissimo –> fanfare
• mezzoforte –> strings, different feel

Question 2

Rhythm, Metre & Tempo

Answer 2

• staccato triplets –> march-like
• common time –> strong beat, march-like
• fermata –> dramatic effect
• anacrusis –> build-up for dramatic effect
• ritardando –> coincides action on screen
• metric shift to 3/4 –> March after Rebel motif
• scurrying sextuplets –> sense of urgency
• fast tempo –> exciting action movie
• rapid repeating notes –> build-up of expectation
• syncopation (block chords) –> rhythmic interest

Question 3

Harmony

Answer 3

• block chords –> unity in fight
• tonal
• sustained harmony –> stillness of space (Space Theme)
• slow harmonic rhythm –> stillness of space (Space Theme)
• chromaticism –> clash
• cluster chords –> clash
• Db maj Neopolitan 6th –> harmonic interest
• dissonance –> replicate conflict on screen
• 4ths, 5ths, 7ths –> heroic intervals
• quartal –> rich, colourful texture
• inverted tonic pedal –> reinforce key
• functional
• major chords –> power and strength of Rebel Motif
• dom pedal
• parallel harmony –> reinforces Skywalker leitmotif
• Db, Am, Ab aug are unrelated, ambiguous –> mystery and tension
• tritone –> foreboding atmosphere

Question 4

Tonality

Answer 4

• Bb maj
• atonal –> due to ambiguous Eb maj/ C min
• C maj
• bitonality

Question 5

Melody

Answer 5

• Skywalker Theme –> Romantic device of leitmotif, pioneered by Richard Wagner
• octave displacement –> excitement
• scalic –> build-up of tension
• octave unison –> calmer, united mood of strings
• contrary motion scale
• whole tone scale
• ostinato –> march-like
• ascending sequence
• descending arpeggios
• hexatonic –> mystery
• marcato –> dramatic effect

Question 6

Instrumentation

Answer 6

• tutti of full symphony orchestra –> exciting for protagonist’s theme
• tam-tam strike –> powerful
• piccolo –> ethereal
• flute trill –> anticipation
• violin tremolo –> anticipation
• doubling parts –> Romantic and traditional
• avoided use of synthesisers/electronic effects –> unusual for late 1970s
• strings, woodwind, brass –> Romantic

Question 7

Texture

Answer 7

• homorhythmic –> dramatic effect
• MDH –> highlight motifs
• chordal homophony –> dramatic effect
• thick texture –> tutti for excitement
• thin texture –> empty space (Space Theme)

Question 8

Structure

Answer 8

• brass plays Section A –> fanfare
• strings play Section B –> softer feel
• fanfare –> dramatic
• ternary form for Skywalker Theme
• through-composed –> movie