4.2.2

Structure & Melody

Test yourself

Structure

The main theme is ternary (ABA) in structure.

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Ternary structure

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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Triplet rhythms

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

Jump to other topics

1Musical Elements

1.1Organisation of Pitch

1.1.1Melodic Pitch

1.1.2Melodic Devices

1.1.3Harmonic Pitch

1.1.4Harmonic Devices

1.1.5Harmonic Progressions

1.2Tonality

1.2.1Major & Minor Tonality

1.2.2End of Topic Test - Musical Elements

2Instrumental Music 1700–1820

2.1Bach: 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

2.2Beethoven: 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

3Vocal Music

3.1Purcell: Music for a While

3.1.1Music for a While

3.1.2Other Features

3.1.3Wider Listening

3.2Queen: Killer Queen

3.2.1Killer Queen

3.2.2Other Features

3.2.3Wider Listening

3.2.4End of Topic Test - Vocal Music

4Music for Stage & Screen

4.1Schwartz: Defying Gravity

4.1.1Defying Gravity

4.1.2Other Features

4.1.3Wider Listening

4.2Williams: 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 - Music for Stage & Screen

5Fusions

5.1Afro Celt Sound System: Release

5.1.1Release

5.1.2Other Features

5.1.3Wider Listening

5.2Spalding: 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

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A New Hope

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