‘Release’ (Afro Celt Sound System)

Question 1

When was it published? Who was it written by?

Answer 1

1999
Sinead O’Connor and the band
Tribute to original band member Jonas Bruce
3 languages - Manika, Irish, English

Question 2

What is the structure?

Answer 2

Intro
Verse 1
Break
Verse 2
Solos
Verse 3
Drum break and build
Outro
2 loops that are 8 bars long

Question 3

What is the melody?

Answer 3

Female vocal melody - two bar descending phrase, repeated four times
Male vocal melody - repeats opening phrase twice, rising melodic sequence, resolves to dominant note of c minor

Question 4

What are the rhythms like?

Answer 4

Bodhrán - syncopated, swung ostinato that starts on a strong beat
Different instruments are layered for contrasting rhythms

Question 5

What is the metre?

Answer 5

Starts without a regular metre, free time
When shakers and bodrán enter it is 4/4

Question 6

What is the texture?

Answer 6

Melody and accompaniment
Heterophony - simultaneously variations a single melody line

Question 7

What is the tonality and harmony?

Answer 7

In C minor (without raised seventh tone) so it is modal
Aeolian mode except for uilleann piped which are Dorian mode
Static harmony (lack of movement)
Harmony moves around Cm
C pitched drone