Star wars

Question 1

When was it written and by who.

Answer 1

1977
John Williams

Question 2

What are the main reasons this piece is on the spec

Answer 2

Leitmotifs

Question 3

Dynamics

Answer 3

Huge range of dynamic with if often being FF or F. Piccolo section in PP. Lots of crescendos and diminuendos. Fade at the end

Question 4

Rhythm

Answer 4

Lots of triplets, sextuplets. Fast tempo to build excitement. 4/4 time signature. Syncopation throughout. Lots of staccatos and accents. Use of rests

Question 5

Structure

Answer 5

3 bar introduction. Lots of different sections for different leitmotifs. Fade at the end.

Question 6

Melody

Answer 6

Fanfare. Both conjunct and angular in sections. Tremolando . 8va. Legato violin section. Ostinato.

Question 7

Instrumentation

Answer 7

Full orchestra. Piccolo. Timpani rolls. Cymbal crashes. No electronic sounds. Trumpet fanfare

Question 8

Texture

Answer 8

Lots of homophonic texture. Very thickly scored. Large variety of textures.

Question 9

Tonality

Answer 9

Starts in Bb major, changes to have a tonal centre of C

Question 10

Harmony

Answer 10

Neapolitan chords. Dissonance. Quartal harmonies. Lots of inversions used. Dominant and tonic pedals throughout. Tonal cadences eg perfect