5.1.1

Release

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Release by Afro Celt Sound System

Your first set work for Fusions is Afro Celt Sound System: Release (from the album ‘Volume 2: Release’).

Context

Context

  • The band Afro Celt Sound System was formed in 1995 and this track was released in 1999.
  • As their name suggests, the band brought together music from 2 different cultures and fused it alongside music technology.
Dynamics

Dynamics

  • As in Killer Queen, this set work was recorded using multitracking techniques.
  • Parts would have been recorded and then overdubbed with other parts.
  • The volume of each track would have been balanced as the parts were being recorded and then the producers would make a final mix so that each part had its place within the stereo field.
Rhythm

Rhythm

  • There is no set metre at the beginning but it soon settles in 4/4 time.
  • After the bodhrán (an Irish drum) enters, a steady tempo of 100 beats per minute is set.
Polyrhythms

Polyrhythms

  • Polyrhythms are a typical feature of African Music and can be seen throughout this piece.
  • Polyrhythms are where lots of different rhythms overlap and interweave with each other.
  • This can be seen in the bodhrán and accordion parts.
Syncopation

Syncopation

  • There is use of syncopation (off beat rhythms).
Jump to other topics
1

Musical Elements

1.1

Organisation of Pitch

1.1.1Melodic Pitch1.1.2Melodic Devices1.1.3Harmonic Pitch1.1.4Harmonic Devices1.1.5Harmonic Progressions
1.2

Tonality

1.2.1Major & Minor Tonality1.2.2End 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 Major2.1.2Structure & Melody2.1.3Instrumentation & Texture2.1.4Harmony2.1.5Wider Listening
2.2

Beethoven: Sonata ‘Pathétique’

2.2.1Piano Sonata No. 82.2.2Structure & Melody2.2.3Other Features2.2.4Wider Listening2.2.5End of Topic Test - Instrumental Music 1700–1820
3

Vocal Music

3.1

Purcell: Music for a While

3.1.1Music for a While3.1.2Other Features3.1.3Wider Listening
3.2

Queen: Killer Queen

3.2.1Killer Queen3.2.2Other Features3.2.3Wider Listening3.2.4End of Topic Test - Vocal Music
4

Music for Stage & Screen

4.1

Schwartz: Defying Gravity

4.1.1Defying Gravity4.1.2Other Features4.1.3Wider Listening4.1.4End of Topic Test - Defying Gravity
4.2

Williams: Star Wars Episode IV

4.2.1A New Hope4.2.2Structure & Melody4.2.3Other Features4.2.4Wider Listening4.2.5End of Topic Test - Star Wars Episode IV
5

Fusions

5.1

Afro Celt Sound System: Release

5.1.1Release5.1.2Other Features5.1.3Wider Listening
5.2

Spalding: Samba Em Preludio

5.2.1Samba Em Preludio5.2.2Structure & Melody5.2.3Other Features5.2.4Wider Listening5.2.5End of Topic Test - Fusions

Practice questions on Release

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  1. 1
    Context to Release by Afro Celt Sound System:True / false
  2. 2
    Rhythm in Release by Afro Celt Sound System:Fill in the list
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End of Topic Test - Star Wars Episode IV

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