Sheep Theme (Carter Burwell)

Question 1

Describe the instrumentation. Make three points.

Answer 1

Harp plays simple arpeggios and is driven from the outset. Dreamy because of its smooth, gleaming sound

Low tessitura in the lower strings during the main theme opens up the texture. Builds the suspense and drama

Tessitura is quite high for each instrument in the score. Adds to the open texture produced by the low bass

Question 2

Describe the harmony/ tonality. Make six points.

Answer 2

Main theme is tonal, yet there are minor modal inflections, a feature that is essential. Gives an unsettling flavour

An augmented version of chord three in the minor key pulls towards a different character in the film. Dramatic

A moment of unstable intonation when the fiddle takes control of the music. Shows the pull between the characters

Unstable intonation is countered by chords one and five being played by harp and strings. Pulls characters apart

Each statement ends on perfect cadence, but the rest is imperfect within statement of theme, like one of the characters

The melody is shaped around a version of the turn. This adds to the simplicity of the characters in the film

Question 3

Describe the texture. Make one point.

Answer 3

Mainly homophonic, which is dominated by the main melody. Allows the theme to be presented in its simplest form

Question 4

Describe the rhythm/ tempo. Make

Answer 4

Scotch snap rhythm establishes the folk feeling within the music. Another significant feature of the melody shape

Scotch snap rhythm is dragged with tenuto against the full orchestra pulling strongly to the first beat of bar. Intense

Beat is emphasised on tambourine on two and four of climactic moment. Drunken character pull underneath tenuto

In common time at a very slow speed, probably representing the opposing characters and their longing for conflict