Herrmann - Psycho “The City” Flashcards
(24 cards)
Which string technique is used that helps the performers create a strong, sharp fortissimo dynamic?
Use of downbow
What is the first clear musical idea in the Psycho prelude?
A stabbing slightly syncopated rhythm - shown in the opening chords.
Describe the harmony at the start of the piece.
A Bb minor chord with a major 7th on top, this is known as the Hitchcock chord.
What rhythmically unifies the piece?
The use of a constant driving quaver motor rhythm
What is the second clear musical idea in the prelude?
Intervals of a semitone which general descend
In your piano score, the rhythm of the third clear musical idea had been simplified. What is the rhythm in the original?
Three triplets, dotted semiquaver, three triplet, dotted semi quaver, 4 dotted semiquavers.
Are the instruments playing con or senza sord, and what is the effect?
Con sord - makes it muffled, darker sounding and slightly quieter.
What two things help the psycho theme stand out in the texture?
Played in a high register and clear, stable constant crotchet rhythm.
What is the fourth clear idea in the psycho prelude?
An eerie, high pitched tune, played legato
In this film, the prelude is a leitmotif that represents what?
Travel and movement from place to place
The muted timbre throughout most of the film helps to create the sense of what?
Repressed anger. Even though they are muted they often play fortissimo
The mutes are taken off only during which cue and why?
During ‘the murder’ to represent the unleashing of the repressed anger
What is the exact rhythm of the opening chords?
Crotchet crotchet, quaver rest, quaver quaver
Which intervals are present at the end of the psycho theme?
Minor seconds
During which musical idea in the prelude is the only moment when the constant quaver rhythm stops?
During the opening rhythmic idea and whenever this is repeated.
How does Herrmann often combine the timbres of the cello and bass in this piece?
Cello plays arco and bass plays pizz.
How does the articulation and dynamics of the psycho theme contrast with the rest of the piece?
It is legato and has sensitive crescendos and diminuendos
What melodic aspect gives a sense of urgency to the piece?
The frequent falling minor 2nd interval in the accompaniment.
The homophonic chord idea in bar 11-12 is repeated later - how is it developed?
Chords are all descending in pitch.
Apart from the clear psycho theme, how could the melodic material in the prelude be described?
As several short motifs used as ostinatos
How does Herrmann emphasise the stabbing rhythms with the articulation?
He adds staccato markings and accents
What is the texture of the piece?
Generally, a texture of layered ostinatos and rhythms. Contrasting with homophonic moments and a moment of melody and accomp.
Describe the dynamics throughout
Generally sudden changes with some short cres./dimn. through short motifs (like uematsu in one winged angel)
The piano is notated in cut time, what is the original in?
2/4
