star wars

Question 1

Suggest a suitable word to describe the rhythm of the accompaniment when the main theme is first heard.

Answer 1

syncopation

Question 2

Which two of the following play a glissando in the opening bars?

Answer 2

strings and woodwind

Question 3

Describe the use of dynamics in the extract.

Answer 3

• begins ff for the fanfare
• B section is played mf by the strings
• crescendo in bar 17 before the return to the A section
• ff at the recapitulation of the A section

Question 4

Explain three musical ways in which the opening theme is suitable as a leitmotif for a heroic character.

Answer 4

• begins ff signifying a strong voice
• the tempo is maestoso which has connotations to the majestic image of a heroic character
• fanfare signifies the power of luke skywalker, this part is played by the brass, strings and woodwind

Question 5

Name the melodic device played by the strings at the beginning.

Answer 5

ascending sequence

Question 6

Name the keyboard instrument that plays in the extract

Answer 6

celeste

Question 7

Name two percussion instruments that play in the extract.

Answer 7

• timpani
• tam-tam
• chimes

Question 8

Name the time signature at the end of the extract.

Answer 8

4/4

Question 9

How does the tempo change at the end of the extract?

Answer 9

ritardando in bar 50

Question 10

Suggest a suitable word to describe the texture of the music.

Answer 10

polyphony at the beginning, homophony during flute solo

Question 11

Which one of the following correctly describes the tonality of the extract?

Answer 11

minor

Question 12

Identify the rising musical interval between the first two notes of the main theme.

Answer 12

perfect 5th

Question 13

Name the instrument that plays the first theme.

Answer 13

trombone

Question 14

Identify two similarities between the melody and rhythm of these two themes.

Answer 14

• melody and rhythm, using triplets, are the same in the A section
• use of dotted notes

Question 15

Identify two differences between the melody and rhythm of these two themes.

Answer 15

• in the A section there is an inverted tonic pedal played tremolo in the violins whereas in the B section there is a dominant pedal played by the brass instruments

Question 16

Name the ornament played by the flute at the beginning of the extract.

Answer 16

turn

Question 17

Which one of the following terms best describes the tonality at the end?

Answer 17

diatonic

Question 18

Which of the following is the rhythm played by the strings, lower brass, and woodwind at the end of the extract?

Answer 18

A

Question 19

Which two of the following compositional devices are used in the extract?

Answer 19

• ostinato
• imitation

Question 20

Name the instrument that plays the melody at the beginning.

Answer 20

flute

Question 21

Name the final instrument that plays in the extract.

Answer 21

violin

Question 22

Evaluate the suitability of the music at the beginning of the extract in underscoring an empty star-filled sky.

Answer 22

• instruments stop playing until there’s no sound, no more brass
• flute plays the melody alone
  static strings play along with the flute
• remaining instruments play softer

Question 23

Which one of the following best describes the type of chord played by the upper brass instruments in the final section of the extract?

Answer 23

minor 7th

Question 24

Explain how one feature of rhythm in this extract helps to create the mood of the music.

Answer 24

• triplets create a sense of urgency
• dotted notes create excitement