GCSE Music
SET WORK BOOKLET
John Williams (b.1932) Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner from Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope
Student Name……………………………………… You will need to use this booklet in conjunction with your course book, where you will find the score of each set work. 1
Basic Information Background John Williams is an American film music composer. His film scores are some of the most recognisable melodies ever written, and he has won many awards including Oscars. He often collaborates with director Steven Spielberg; some of these films include Jaws, Indiana Jones, E.T, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan. He has written the soundtracks for all the Star Wars films (so far). Other famous film music composed by him includes Superman and the first three Harry Potter films. The fact that he can write music for a variety of films and genres has shown what a versatile composer he is; he can write for tense thrillers and dramatic action films (Jaws, Indiana Jones), but also sad, reflective films (Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan). He is well known for his use of Leitmotifs. He uses them throughout his film scores with great effect. His music is mostly written for a large orchestra. Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope (1977)
Episode IV was actually the first Star Wars film made. There were two more released in the trilogy (Episode IV-VI), before a prequel trilogy was released between 1999-2005 (Episode I – III). A new film has just been released. The epic story is combines sci-fi and fantasy. The film tells the story of the Rebel Alliance’s battle against the evil Galactic Empire. In Episode IV, we meet Luke Skywalker as he learns about the ‘Force’ and becomes part of the Rebel Alliance. Our set piece (Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner) is played over the opening credits of the film. The music accompanies the now iconic scrolling text that sets the scene and explains what’s happening. The rebel blockade runner is Princess Leia’s spaceship, which we see after the credits have finished. The music for this set work is written as a short score.
KEY FEATURES OF FILM MUSIC 1. Music can be used to create tension. 2. It can create a sense of time and place through the type of music used. 3. Sound effects can be incorporated into the music. 4. It can create subtext by creating a feeling of what is NOT on screen. 5. Film composers make great use of Leitmotifs. 6. Repeated themes and sections can link different parts of the film. 7. The style of music often changes to fit the mood of each scene. 8. It has to be very precisely timed to fit with the length of each scene. 9. Each section of music is called a cue. 10. Film music falls into two categories; underscoring and diegetic music. 11. Large orchestras have traditionally been used for film music but some modern composers are using computers and other technology.
Other well-known film composers
Elmer Bernstein _________________________________________________
Hans Zimmer ___________________________________________________
John Barry _____________________________________________________
Howard Shore ______________________________________________ 2
Consolidation activity Here is a selection of tasks that get progressively more challenging. You should spend about an hour completing this. 1) Name a successful film score by each of the composers listed on the previous page. (Write the title and date of the film next to their names). 2) Write definitions (that YOU understand) of all the key terms which have been underlined on the previous page. You should do this in the box below. 3) What types of film might use unusual harmonies or strange time signatures? ______________________________________________________________________ 4) The main title is in the style of a march. Write down three characteristics of march music. ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________
5) Listen to another piece from any Star Wars film and complete the statement below. I listened to_________________________________ and I thought that things which were similar were: a) _________________________________________________________ b) _________________________________________________________ c) _________________________________________________________ And things which were different were: a) _________________________________________________________ b) _________________________________________________________ c) _________________________________________________________
Keywords and their definitions Soundtrack _______________________________________________________ Cue _____________________________________________________________ Trilogy ___________________________________________________________ Diegetic music _____________________________________________________ Prequel trilogy ____________________________________________________ Leitmotif __________________________________________________________ Subtext __________________________________________________________ Short score _______________________________________________________ Underscoring ______________________________________________________
3
Wider Listening (General) Each piece you listen to requires you to also know about other SIMILAR types of music. They could be similar because the same composer wrote them because they are written in the same musical period, many other reasons. Here is a list of pieces of music which could be linked to this set work and the composer. The Youtube links are also provided (should you wish to access this booklet online or do the listening on your computer). In the boxes provided, make some notes about why you think each piece is included in the wider listening for this set work. Piece 1: Dear John Letter from Dear John by Deborah Lurie Youtube link: https://youtu.be/CUHKAnjBX-Y Comments:
Piece 2: The Bridge of Khazad Dum from Lord of the Rings; The Fellowship of the Ring by Howard Shore Youtube link: https://youtu.be/NUIZvAe3RBg Comments:
Piece 3: Indiana Jones theme from Raiders of the Lost Ark by John Williams Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntXJJwEk1NA Comments:
4
Analysis of Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner from Star Wars: A New Hope Facts about the context and background of the piece What style is it? What are the key features of this style? Are they in this piece? Is it part of a bigger piece? If so, where does this piece ‘sit’ in comparison?
Performing forces and their handling Think about: what instruments are playing in the piece? What role does each of them have? (don’t forget singers!). Is it tricky to play? Why? Does it use a large range for that instrument? Are there any specific techniques used (like mutes, effects etc)? What are the dynamics like in the piece?
5
Structure Think about is it varied? Repeated? Contrasted? Ternary? Sonata Form? Another structure?
Texture Think about: Monophonic? Polyphonic? Homophonic? Antiphonal? Heterophonic? Pedal? Countermelody? Exchanging ideas in parts? (DIALOGUE).
6
Melody Think about: instruments? Doubled melody? Octaves? 3rds? Unison? Regular phrases? Tessitura? Conjunct? Disjunct? Diatonic? Chromatic? Rising? Falling?
Tonality Think about: Major? Minor? Modal? Atonal? Does the key change?
Harmony Think about: Use of chords? Chord progressions? Circle of 5ths? 12-bar blues? Important patterns at cadences? Diatonic or chromatic? Functional (I and V and cadences)? Harmonic rhythm? Does it stay the same?
7
Tempo, rhythm and metre Think about: Dotted notes? Triplets? Swung quavers? Syncopation? Hemiola? Anacrusis? Time signature (and changes to it)? Strong beats of the bar? Repeated patterns? Key rhythms in the piece? What is the speed of the piece? Does it change? Can you use an Italian term to describe the tempo?
Dynamics Think about: How would you describe the volume of the piece? Does it change? Are all the instruments the same volume?
8
Listening activities related to your set work
LISTENING 1 (0.00-0.45 seconds) You will hear the piece 3 times. 1) What word describes the music at the start? ___________________________ (1 mark) 2) What instruments play the main theme when it first appears? ______________ (1 mark) 3) Make three comments about the accompaniment of the title theme. a. _______________________________________________________ b. _______________________________________________________ c. _______________________________________________________ (3 marks) 4) Which instruments play the second section of the theme? ________________ (1 mark) 5) What is the interval between the first two notes of the main theme? 3rd
4th
5th
(1 mark)
6th Total
/7 marks
LISTENING 2 (1.16-end) You will hear the piece 3 times 1) After the opening string and harp broken chords, which word describes the change in the dynamics before the high pitched melody? Diminuendo
Forte
Adagio
Crescendo (1 mark)
2) Which instrument plays this high-pitched melody? ___________________
(1 mark)
3) Which rhythm pattern is part of the main theme and is repeated in the final part of the extract on numerous occasions? __________________________________ (1 mark) 4) Comment on the style and pitch of the accompaniment to the quiet Rebel Blockade Runner theme. ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ (4 marks)
Total
/7 marks
REINFORCING YOUR LEARNING; In addition to these listening questions you should also be listening to this set work at times when we aren’t studying this piece. You should also be able to identify when particular sections change and also the keys and instruments.
9
Extended Response question For each set work, you MIGHT be asked to write in more detail about the piece. You will hear the piece played to you and you will also have a piece of music you’ve NOT studied as well. They will be linked in some way (for example, if you are asked to write about a vocal piece, then the unknown piece is quite likely to be a vocal piece too).
The Breaking of the Fellowship from Lord of the Rings; The Fellowship of the Ring by Howard Shore. (0.00-2.40)
https://youtu.be/sQ9NOV3KNpY
10
11
12
NOTES ON ‘UNFAMILIAR’ PIECE OF MUSIC
13
Typical Question Using the notes you have made above and the notes earlier in this booklet about your set work, then answer the following question. You should spend no more than 25 minutes putting the answer together.
Things to consider You need to give facts EQUALLY about both pieces. It will be marked out of 12 (see the page 17 for the marking guidance from the exam board). You should back up each point with a bar reference (or example) from the score. You will need to use the score from your course book for the Purcell. Include a conclusion at the end.
QUESTION Evaluate how effectively the instrumentation, rhythm and melody of the extracts from Star Wars: A New Hope and Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring are used to create the mood and context for these two films. You should ensure that you reference any valid points made. (12 marks)
14
Teacher comments and mark
/12
15
Writing Frame Help Essay Question: Evaluate how effectively the instrumentation, rhythm and melody of Star Wars: A New Hope and Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring are used to create the mood and context for these two films. You should ensure that you reference any valid points made. (12 marks) Which musical elements in your notes is this question asking you to discuss? Paragraph 1 – short introduction. When were these pieces composed? Are they from the same kind of film (fantasy, sci-fi, thriller etc)? Who are the composers? Write one sentence about how you are going to set out your answer.
Paragraph 2 – instrumentation in Star Wars. Identify the performing forces/type of ensemble. Which instruments are featured heavily in the piece? Are they used in specific textures? Are there any special features of the instrumental writing? Briefly describe the dynamics. How do these things help create the mood and context of the film?
Paragraph 3 – instrumentation in Lord of the Rings. Identify the performing forces/type of ensemble. Which instruments are featured heavily in the piece? Are they used in specific textures? Are there any special features of the instrumental writing? Briefly describe the dynamics. How do these things help create the mood and context of the film? What are the main similarities and differences to Star Wars?
16
Paragraph 4 – rhythm in Star Wars. Identify the tempo and metre. Are there repeated rhythm patterns that create specific effects? What do the rhythms tell you about the context and mood? How do you know? What effect does the choice of note values and rhythm patterns have on the music?
Paragraph 5 – rhythm in Lord of the Rings. Identify the tempo and metre. Are there repeated rhythm patterns that create specific effects? What do the rhythms tell you about the context and mood? How do you know? What effect does the choice of note values and rhythm patterns have on the music? Identify the main similarities and differences with Star Wars.
Paragraph 6 - melody in Star Wars. Is the melody major or minor? Is it mostly conjunct or disjunct? What kind of intervals does it use? Where is the highest part of the melody? Does the melody have an overall shape? Are there repeated melodies? What can we discern about the context and mood of the extract?
17
Paragraph 7 - melody in Lord of the Rings. Is the melody major or minor? Is it mostly conjunct or disjunct? What kind of intervals does it use? Where is the highest part of the melody? Does the melody have an overall shape? Are there repeated melodies? What can we discern about the context and mood of the extract? Identify key similarities and differences with Star Wars.
Paragraph 8 – short conclusion. What are your conclusions? Could you identify features of the mood and context in both extracts? Did you find more differences or more similarities? Did you find one more interesting or effective than the other? If so, why? In your judgement, do the differences and/or similarities suggest that they are typical of the film music genre or not?
Teacher comments and mark:
18
Mark Scheme for 12 mark responses
19
Challenge and consolidation activities Here is a selection of different activities you could try in relation to this set work. Some are designed to help you check your understanding and others (marked with an *) are designed to challenge you. Sometimes, these will be set as personalised homework, but other times, they should be used by you outside of your classroom learning to support your knowledge.
1) Write 2 sentences that describe the structure of this extract. 2) Can you create a quiz for other students that includes at least 15 keywords related to this piece? 3) Name 3 other film scores in different styles that have been composed by John Williams. 4) What is a Leitmotif? Give an example from the piece. 5) What name is given to film music that the characters (as well as the audience) can hear? 6) What is the main rhythmic feature throughout this music? 7) Name 3 features at the start of the extract that show that it is in march style. 8) Find an example of a discord in this piece. 9) Identify 2 similarities and 2 differences between the opening fanfare (the first 4 bars) and the title theme. 10) What is a dominant pedal? Locate an example in the music. 11) Explain the term ‘quartal harmony’ and find an example in the music. 12) *How does film music enhance the images on screen. Give 2 examples to show how this is achieved in this extract. 13) *Describe what happens to the metre at the end of the extract. 14) *Why does the use of the full orchestra in this piece reflect the film’s epic themes? 15) *Analyse the instrumentation of the different sections of the extract. How do they reflect the different characters and themes of the film? Cross off each of the questions when you have completed them. Lined paper is provided at the end of this booklet for these tasks.
20
21
22
23
24