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Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner from Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope…
Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner from Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope
Instrumentation
Use of a symphony orchestra
an ensemble containing upwards of 60 musicians across the four sections
strings
like every one there is
woodwind
flutes, oboes, clarinets and bassoons
brass
horns, trumpets, trombones and a tuba
percussion
timpani, triangle, snare drum, tam-tam, glockenspiel, vibraphone, cymbals, piano and harp
TUTTI
avoids using synthesizers or electronic effects
Tonality
Clear B flat major for the first 29 bars
music from bar 30 is more based around the note C, often heard as a bass pedal
the tonality becomes less clear from bar 30 onwards
unstable harmonies and progressions
Structure
Introduction b1-3
Main Theme (A) b4-7
Main Theme repeated (A) b8-11
Contrasing section (B) b11-20
Main theme (A) played twice b21-29
Structure of the extract is intended to match and reinforce the opening section of the film
bars 1-29 follows a conventional pattern
four bar phrases are used to construct a longer musical structure with an AABA shape- musical shape
remainder of the extract takes its shape from the action on the screen so theres less musical structure
Harmony
predominantly tonal
dissonance bar 44
closely spaced chord (a cluster)
quartal harmony bars 4-7
end of bar 7 is an imperfect cadence
Tempo/Metre/Rhythm
fast tempo in the opening section
matches the mood and genre of the film - exciting action movie
4/4 metre creates a march style
reflects the military nature of the conflict between the characters
opening three bars use rhythmic gestures typically found in fanfares
rapid repeated notes and triplets create a feeling of expectation
Texture
homophonic
theme A and B both accompanied by block chords/arpeggios
bar four onwards is melody-dominated homophony
Ostinato bars 51-60
dominant pedal bars 12-15
lighter texture bars 36-38
Melody
memorable melodies
opening 3 bars use gestures commonly associated with fanfares
rapid repeated notes on the B flat
triplet, arpeggio like features
Main Theme (A) is one of the most well known themes
4 bar idea
rising perfect 5th creates a heroic feel which is appropriate the character of Luke Skywalker
Context
written by John Williams
written for Star wars: episode IV a new hope
released in 1977
leitmotif- where a character or idea is represented by the same musical idea whenever they appear or are mentioned
non diegetic music - the music that only the audience can hear
used to add atmosphere to a scene
Introduction
tremolo, violins play an octave higher, ff dynamics , poco rall. at the end of the intro, brass instruments such as horn trumpet and trombone