Killer Queen Flashcards
(5 cards)
Melody
Conjunct melodies with a few small leaps, which makes the vocals easier for Mercury to sing -3,4,5
Mainly syllabic to make lyrics more direct; theatre music often uses syllabic melodies with melisma -3,15
Descending sequences used and this pattern evokes a sense of calm - 7,8,20,21
Largest leaps in the song are of a 6th - 37
Instrumentation
The vocal part is performed by Freddie Mercury in a high male voice - tenor
Nonsense syllables are used in the backing vocals - vocables
The vocals are overdubbed with a jangle piano, 4 electric guitars, bass and drums to create a rich sound
The jangle piano creates a hybrid timbre
Multitracking which creates interest sonority
Distortion is heard throughout and creates a creamy, sustained tone
Effect if flagging creates a swooshing sound and this is wordpainting to create futuristic imagery
Slides, bend offs and panning used to adjust position of sound
Hocketting effect is used to alternate notes -55
Texture
The first few bars have a layered texture as instruments gradually start to play
3 part and 4 part harmonies used to decorate the melody - 8,31
Overall texture is MDH to articulate the underlying melody
Antiphonal, polyphonic and dialogue texture used to create a larger impact as the instruments communicate through th song
Rhythm, Metre & Tempo
Each verse starts with an anacrusis to create an upbeat mood
There is a 12/8 compound time signature which is more laid back
Overall the music is 4/4 but there are lots of triplets to create a swung feel
The intro starts with 6 clicks to give metric ambiguity
Syncopation reflects the theatrical energy - 48,49
Harmony & Tonality
The key is in Eb minor but the first note is Cm making tonality ambiguous
Use of extended chords to help create more luscious harmonies
There is a chord progression that follows descending 5ths so rapid modulations - 22
Chords extensions and added ones create a blue mood
At the end, the Eb is repeated to create an illusion
