4.2.2

Structure & Melody

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Structure

The main theme is ternary (ABA) in structure.

Ternary structure

Ternary structure

The main theme is ternary (ABA) in structure which includes:
- An opening fanfare.
- Link sections.
- A march section.
- A codetta.

Fanfare

Fanfare

A fanfare is a celebratory piece of music composed for brass instruments.
It is usually used for an important ceremony or grand event.
Musically, a fanfare is short and loud.

Codetta

Codetta

The codetta is a short ending section that is fast and drives the piece towards its climax.

Melody

The use of leitmotif is prevalent throughout Williams’ music and this set work is no exception.

Leitmotif

Leitmotif

The use of leitmotif is prevalent throughout Williams’ music and this set work is no exception.
A leitmotif is a musical phrase or melody that represents a character, place or emotion.

Examples

The main melody is associated with Luke Skywalker the main protagonist within the Star Wars universe.
Other famous leitmotifs are the Imperial March also written by Williams representing Darth Vader.

Main melody

The main melody is written in Bb major and the jump of a perfect 5th from Bb to F creates a strong and bold sound; perhaps reflecting the qualities of Luke Skywalker.

Triplet rhythms

Triplet rhythms

The triplet rhythms within the main melody add to its strength and power.

Chromaticism

Chromaticism

Chromaticism (moving in semitones) is used in bar 28.
The contrasting B Section has longer note durations within the main melody and is quieter with the lead taken by the woodwind section rather than the brass and strings.

1

Musical Elements

1.1

Organisation of Pitch

1.1.1Melodic Pitch 1.1.2Melodic Devices 1.1.3Harmonic Pitch 1.1.4Harmonic Devices 1.1.5Harmonic Progressions

1.2

Tonality

1.2.1Major & Minor Tonality 1.2.2End of Topic Test - Musical Elements

2

Instrumental Music 1700–1820

2.1

Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major

2.1.1Concerto No. 5 in D Major 2.1.2Structure & Melody 2.1.3Instrumentation & Texture 2.1.4Harmony 2.1.5Wider Listening

2.2

Beethoven: Sonata ‘Pathétique’

2.2.1Piano Sonata No. 8 2.2.2Structure & Melody 2.2.3Other Features 2.2.4Wider Listening 2.2.5End of Topic Test - Instrumental Music 1700–1820

3

Vocal Music

3.1

Purcell: Music for a While

3.1.1Music for a While 3.1.2Other Features 3.1.3Wider Listening

3.2

Queen: Killer Queen

3.2.1Killer Queen 3.2.2Other Features 3.2.3Wider Listening 3.2.4End of Topic Test - Vocal Music

4

Music for Stage & Screen

4.1

Schwartz: Defying Gravity

4.1.1Defying Gravity 4.1.2Other Features 4.1.3Wider Listening 4.1.4End of Topic Test - Defying Gravity

4.2

Williams: Star Wars Episode IV

4.2.1A New Hope 4.2.2Structure & Melody 4.2.3Other Features 4.2.4Wider Listening 4.2.5End of Topic Test - Star Wars Episode IV

5

Fusions

5.1

Afro Celt Sound System: Release

5.1.1Release 5.1.2Other Features 5.1.3Wider Listening

5.2

Spalding: Samba Em Preludio

5.2.1Samba Em Preludio 5.2.2Structure & Melody 5.2.3Other Features 5.2.4Wider Listening 5.2.5End of Topic Test - Fusions

Jump to other topics

1

Musical Elements

1.1

Organisation of Pitch

1.1.1Melodic Pitch 1.1.2Melodic Devices 1.1.3Harmonic Pitch 1.1.4Harmonic Devices 1.1.5Harmonic Progressions

1.2

Tonality

1.2.1Major & Minor Tonality 1.2.2End of Topic Test - Musical Elements

2

Instrumental Music 1700–1820

2.1

Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major

2.1.1Concerto No. 5 in D Major 2.1.2Structure & Melody 2.1.3Instrumentation & Texture 2.1.4Harmony 2.1.5Wider Listening

2.2

Beethoven: Sonata ‘Pathétique’

2.2.1Piano Sonata No. 8 2.2.2Structure & Melody 2.2.3Other Features 2.2.4Wider Listening 2.2.5End of Topic Test - Instrumental Music 1700–1820

3

Vocal Music

3.1

Purcell: Music for a While

3.1.1Music for a While 3.1.2Other Features 3.1.3Wider Listening

3.2

Queen: Killer Queen

3.2.1Killer Queen 3.2.2Other Features 3.2.3Wider Listening 3.2.4End of Topic Test - Vocal Music

4

Music for Stage & Screen

4.1

Schwartz: Defying Gravity

4.1.1Defying Gravity 4.1.2Other Features 4.1.3Wider Listening 4.1.4End of Topic Test - Defying Gravity

4.2

Williams: Star Wars Episode IV

4.2.1A New Hope 4.2.2Structure & Melody 4.2.3Other Features 4.2.4Wider Listening 4.2.5End of Topic Test - Star Wars Episode IV

5

Fusions

5.1

Afro Celt Sound System: Release

5.1.1Release 5.1.2Other Features 5.1.3Wider Listening

5.2

Spalding: Samba Em Preludio

5.2.1Samba Em Preludio 5.2.2Structure & Melody 5.2.3Other Features 5.2.4Wider Listening 5.2.5End of Topic Test - Fusions

Practice questions on Structure & Melody

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

1
What is the structure of the main theme?Fill in the list
2
What is the name for a short ending section that is fast and drives the piece towards its climax? Multiple choice
3
Which rhythm within the main melody adds to its strength and power?Multiple choice
4
Which section of the orchestra takes the lead in the B Section?Multiple choice

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