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Bernstein (Instrumentation (Five woodwind players, Two French horns, Three…
Bernstein
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Melody
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The song opens with an instrumental riff which has a 3 note ostinato in the bass. This riff is heard throughout the song.
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There is a frequent use of long sustained notes in the melody, for example bars 74 and 94. These are combined with the short phrases present in the riffs.
Tonality and Harmony
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This includes the addition of ‘blue’ notes added to ordinary chords. This is a dissonance (clash) and is typically the flattened 3rd and flattened 5th and flattened 7thtext
A very important harmonic feature is the frequent use of the Tritone.
This is an interval known as the diabolus in musica (devil in music) and represents evil and sinister moods, often used to create tension. Bernstein uses it very frequently in this musical
Rhythm and metre
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This type of syncopation is also known as a ‘push’ rhythm. This means it anticipates the beat (starts just before the main beat).
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Background
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Capulets and Montagues (families) = Jets and Sharks (gangs)
The Jets are led by Riff and the Sharks are led by Bernardo. The drama is based on the love affair between Tony and Maria
Texture
This is a song with an accompaniment, so technically homophonic (melody with accompaniment)
However, there are lots of layered textures as there are so many different instruments. The vocal is often doubled by an orchestral part
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Extra bits
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The dynamics are interesting. It begins pp in a hushed way, giving a sense of anticipation.
There is use of crescendos, particularly on the long sustained notes, for example bars 17-20.