Release

Test yourself

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

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

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

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 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

There is use of syncopation (off beat rhythms).

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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