The Beatles - A Day in the Life Flashcards
What is the structure of ‘A Day in the Life’ by The Beatles?
Written in ternary form (section A, section B, back to section A)
What instruments are featured in the first section of ‘A Day in the Life’?
Acoustic guitar, bass guitar, piano
Which vocalist performs in the first section?
John Lennon
How is John Lennon’s voice described?
Tenor, ethereal, haunting, dreamy, legato
What is the theme of the lyrics in the first section?
About a lucky man who made the grade, representing the death of Tara Brown
What happens at the end of the first section?
The full orchestra comes in, creating a huge crescendo and ringing surge
What instruction is given to the orchestra at the end of the first section?
Start on the lowest note of their instruments and work their way to the highest
What musical element enters in verse 2 of the first section?
Drums
Who sings in the middle section of ‘A Day in the Life’?
Paul McCartney
What changes occur in the mood during the middle section?
Faster tempo, more light-hearted/upbeat, major key
What sound effects are used in the middle section?
Alarm clock, heavy breathing
Who sings in the final section of ‘A Day in the Life’?
John Lennon
What is heard from the orchestra in the final section?
A huge crescendo followed by a sudden stop
What happens after the sudden stop in the final section?
A major chord is heard on piano, slowly fading away
How many people are needed to play the major chord at the end?
Three people
