Superman Flashcards
1
Q
What is the Leitmotif (short, reoccurring musical idea) in superman ? (2)
A
- The heroic fanfare-like theme which occurs at the beginning.
- It is based around the notes of the tonic triad and concentrating on the intervals of the fourth and fifth
2
Q
Name the instrument which plays the opening theme
A
French horn
3
Q
How does John Williams avoid predictability ?(2)
A
- His harmonies are essentially tonal but avoids predictability by adding unprepared or unresolved dissonances.
- E.g The cadence which occurs at the end of the first statement of the march theme
4
Q
What is a characteristic feature of modern music? (5)
A
- The use of quartal harmony and dissonance
- usually full orchestra with much brass and percussion
- emphasis on sampled sounds
- use a leitmotif to depict a character
- Two main melodies, familiar opening and contrasting section
5
Q
Tonality ?
A
C major (ends in G major)
6
Q
Time signature ?
A
4/4 alternating with 12/8
7
Q
Describe theme A - opening fanfare
A
- Tonic pedal point is provided by a timpani roll over which the fanfare theme (a) is played by trumpets and horns.
- The fanfare is repeated with trombones added an octave lower.
- Syncopated rhythm and an accelerando at the end lead into the faster march section.
- The rhythmic ostinato on lower strings, bass clarinet and tuba anticipates the 12/8 time signature of the march.
8
Q
How does Williams generate excitement ? (3)
A
- A trumpet fanfare consisting of rising fourths generates a feeling of anticipation.
- A tonic pedal point is provided by a timpani roll
- Syncopated rhythm and an accelerando at the end lead into the faster march section.
9
Q
Describe theme B - March
A
- Theme b is linked to the opening fanfare in that the rising fifth also features prominently.
- It is played by trumpets and is punctuated with full orchestral chords, cymbal crashes, triangle rolls and fragments of the original ostinato rhythm in lower strings and timpani.
- The first 8 bars finish with a rapid rising scale in the violins.
- Theme (b) is repeated with the added brightness of the glockenspiel and scales in the woodwind which are doubled by the piccolo.
10
Q
Melody (3)
A
- The melodies of each theme are each connected. Theme A connects to theme B by both melodies featuring prominent use of the rising fifth, and theme B and theme C (love theme) share triadic movement in their melodies.
- The melody of theme A is the leitmotif of the heroic fanfare-like theme and is played by the French horn. It is based around the notes of the tonic triad And concentrates on the intervals of the fourth and fifth with a triplet
- The rising legato melody in the horns– theme (c) - is continued by oboes and clarinets in octaves in an ascending sequence while a violin countermelody imitates fragments of the melody.
11
Q
Harmony (3)
A
- Although Williams’ harmonies are essentially tonal, he avoids predictability by adding unprepared or unresolved dissonances e.g the F major chord on the last beat of the bar in the March theme which is contradicted by G in the bass.
- Sometimes chords are constructed using fourths (G, C, F) rather than thirds (G, B, D) or major 7ths are added to ordinary chords (C, E, G, B).
- The use of quartal harmony and dissonance is a characteristic feature of modern music.
12
Q
Describe the orchestration (3)
A
- This piece is scored for an extended modern symphony orchestra including additional instruments such as piccolo, bass clarinet and glockenspiel
- Prominent use of the brass, percussion and the string sections during theme B such as the full orchestral chords, cymbal crashes, triangle rolls and rapid rising scales in the violins is typical of John Williams
- The orchestration generates a sense of anticipation by using the rhythmic ostinato on lower strings, bass clarinet and tuba to anticipate the 12/8 time signature of the march and the trumpet fanfare consisting of rising fourths
13
Q
Dynamics and Tonality
A
- The Superman Theme begins in C major and ends in G major, remaining in major keys throughout to highlight the heroic nature of the character the piece is presenting
- The harmonies are mainly major triads (Db, C and F) to which dissonant major sevenths have been added. Tension is produced using these major triads by changing the harmony to DB major over Gb in the bass
- The piece opens as mezzopiano and suddenly becomes forte with the cymbal crash on the highest note E. Ends with fortissimo with full orchestra chords
14
Q
Structure
A
- Divided into three principle themes, the opening fanfare theme A, The March theme B and the love theme C with a rhythmic ostinato played by lower strings and brass sections in anticipation of the 12/8 time signature and in fragments
- The time signature alternates between 4/4 and 12/8 to accommodate the faster March theme
- Phrase length therefore is imbalanced
15
Q
Who composed it?
A
John Williams
