Stevie Wonder

Question 1

Describe the overall structure of Superstition

Answer 1

Superstition has a verse-chorus structure, which is based around a repeated two-bar groove. The structure is a repeat of A-A-B.

Question 2

Describe the structure of the verses in superstition

Answer 2

Each verse is made up of the two-bar riff played four times.

Question 3

How many bars is the chorus in superstition?

Answer 3

8 bars

Question 4

Describe the structure of the bridge in superstition

Answer 4

N/A

Question 5

Give 4 key features of the melody in superstition

Answer 5

Jazz Techniques (e.g. Slide up notes), Eb minor Pentatonic scale, Sense of Dorian Mode and Chromaticism

Question 6

List the instruments used in superstition

Answer 6

Horn Section, Moog Base, Clavinet, Drums, Vocals

Question 7

Describe the drum groove used in superstition

Answer 7

Hi-hat uses syncopation and quavers, bass drum plays beats 1&3, Snare drum plays beats 2&4

Question 8

Describe the use of the drums in the groove

Question 9

Describe the keyboard part in the groove

Answer 9

The keyboard (clavinet) plays a repetitive off-beat staccato motif

Question 10

Describe the overall texture of supersition

Answer 10

Homophonic

Question 11

What is the overall tonality?

Answer 11

The piece is neither major nor minor, as it uses the Dorian Mode.

Question 12

Give 3 key musical features of the melody in ‘Sir duke’

Answer 12

Use of chromatic scales in the pre-chorus, Melisma on the word “Over” alternating between A# and G# and the horn riff carries a melody that increases in complexity by adding notes in the pentatonic scale

Question 13

Give 3 key features of the rhythm in ‘Sir duke’

Answer 13

Typical swing/big-band swung hi-hat, Standard Motown backbeat in the verse, Heavily syncopated riff

Question 14

Give 3 key features of the texture in ‘Sir duke’

Answer 14

Alternation between clear homophonic sections (Intro and pre-chorus) and intricate melody and accompaniement in verse and chorus, plus unison for shout chorus.

Question 15

Describe the structure of ‘Sir duke’

Answer 15

Intro, Verse, Pre-Chorus, Chorus, Shout-Chorus, Verse, Pre-Chorus, Chorus, Chorus, Shout-Chorus, Chorus and repeats

Question 16

Give 3 key harmonic features of ‘sir duke’

Answer 16

Doo-wop chord progretion (I vi IV V) - common for the 50s and 60s - but IV replaced with flattened VI to create descending bass line, Chromatic chord progression (series of passing Chromatic chords) in the Pre-Chorus - E9, Eb9 D9 Db9 D9 D#9 E9 F9 F#9, Interesting use of substitution chord in the chorus adding spice to the harmonies.