Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Music Set Works > Star Wars > Flashcards

Star Wars Flashcards

(85 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What type of ensemble is used in Rebel Blockade Runner?

A

A full symphony orchestra

The orchestra typically includes strings, woodwind, brass, and percussion sections.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How many players can be included in a full symphony orchestra by the early twentieth century?

A

Upwards of sixty players

This includes players across the four sections: Strings, Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

List the woodwind instruments in the Rebel Blockade Runner orchestra.

A
  • 3 Flutes (3d also playing Piccolo)
  • 2 Oboes
  • 2 Clarinets
  • Bass Clarinet
  • 2 Bassoons
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

List the brass instruments found in the Rebel Blockade Runner orchestra.

A
  • 4 Horns
  • 3 Trumpets
  • 3 Trombones
  • Tuba
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What percussion instruments are included in the Rebel Blockade Runner orchestra?

A
  • Timpani
  • Triangle
  • Snare Drum
  • Tam-Tam
  • Glockenspiel
  • Vibraphone
  • Cymbals
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Which keyboard instruments are featured in the Rebel Blockade Runner orchestra?

A
  • Piano/Celeste
  • Harp
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the traditional treatment of the orchestra in Rebel Blockade Runner?

A

Traditional symphonic/Romantic treatment with much doubling of parts

This means more than one instrument playing a particular idea at once, sometimes an octave or more apart.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is a notable characteristic of the orchestration in Rebel Blockade Runner?

A

Relatively few uses of solo timbres or lighter textures

The score is mostly quite thickly scored.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What technology does Williams avoid using in the score for Rebel Blockade Runner?

A

Any electronic effects or synthesizers

This decision is notable, especially in the late 1970s when electronic technology was significant in popular music.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

True or False: Rebel Blockade Runner utilizes a wide range of solo timbres.

A

False

The orchestration is mostly thickly scored with few solo timbres.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What musical elements dominate the section characterized by Fanfare-like figures?

A

Rapid repeated notes developing into staccato triplet figures with free imitation between Trombones and Trumpets

This section creates a dynamic and heroic atmosphere through its orchestration and rhythmic complexity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the time signature of the piece?

A

Quadruple time

Quadruple time provides a strong rhythmic foundation for the piece.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Which instrument plays the heroic leitmotif/main theme?

A

High Trumpets

The use of high trumpets emphasizes the heroic nature of the theme.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What type of chords punctuate the rhythm in the brass, lower strings, and bassoons?

A

Syncopated (offbeat) chords

Syncopation adds to the rhythmic drive and excitement of the music.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is played tremolando in the Violins during the introduction?

A

Inverted tonic pedal

The inverted tonic pedal creates a sense of tension and anticipation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Which instrument reinforces harmony with triplet figures?

A

Piano (RH), Harp, Flute, Clarinet

These instruments contribute to the texture and harmonic richness of the section.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the accompaniment in the section where the contrasting melody is played?

A

Block chords in Horns/Piano (LH)/Oboe

The block chords provide a solid harmonic foundation for the melody.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

How is the important melody highlighted in the orchestration?

A

Picked out in the Glockenspiel

The glockenspiel adds a bright, clear sound that draws attention to the melody.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is varied in the inverted tonic pedal idea on alternate beats?

A

Semiquaver lower auxiliary figure

This variation adds rhythmic interest and complexity to the accompaniment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What instruments play the contrasting melody, excluding the double basses?

A

All strings apart from Double basses

This choice of instrumentation allows for a rich, full sound across multiple octaves.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What dynamic marking is applied to the entire section?

A

Played ff

The dynamic marking ‘ff’ indicates a very loud performance, enhancing the dramatic impact.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the main theme’s characteristic in the described section?

A

Played twice

The main theme is indicated to be repeated for emphasis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What significant visual elements are mentioned in the sequence?

A

Star-filled sky, appearance of planets, spaceship appears, larger spaceship in pursuit

These elements contribute to the narrative and thematic development.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is the dynamic marking for the dominant pedal in the bass instruments?

A

Played mf

‘mf’ stands for ‘mezzo-forte’, indicating moderately loud playing.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Which instruments double the melody across three octaves?
Violin, Viola, Cello, Horn, Trumpet ## Footnote This doubling creates a rich and full sound texture.
26
What musical technique is used in the woodwind during the passage?
'Rushing' upwards scale-like passages ## Footnote This technique adds excitement and forward momentum to the music.
27
What provides an effective link to the next section at bar 29?
Harp glissando ## Footnote Glissando creates a smooth transition between musical ideas.
28
What is the dynamic marking for the fanfare-like material?
Played ff ## Footnote 'ff' stands for 'fortissimo', indicating very loud playing.
29
What rhythmic elements are used to build up a chord in the fanfare?
Repeated quaver/triplet semiquaver rhythm ## Footnote This rhythm creates a sense of urgency and excitement.
30
What kind of harmonies are sustained by brass and woodwind?
Strange, unstable harmonies ## Footnote This instability contributes to the tension in the music.
31
What type of musical figures are described in the strings?
Rapid arpeggio (broken chord) figures ## Footnote Arpeggios enhance the texture and provide movement.
32
What is the initial dynamic marking for the lighter texture?
Played pp ## Footnote 'pp' stands for 'pianissimo', indicating very soft playing.
33
What accompanies the piccolo melody?
Held chords/arpeggios in woodwind, Vibraphone, Harp, Celeste, Violin ## Footnote This accompaniment supports the melody with a gentle texture.
34
What builds up and crescendos in Trombones and Horns?
Block chords ## Footnote This dynamic increase adds to the climactic nature of the music.
35
What is played ff by bass instruments?
Low C pedal ## Footnote The pedal tone creates a foundation and depth in the music.
36
What type of rhythm does the Timpani hammer out?
Ominous rhythm ## Footnote The Timpani's rhythm contributes to the dramatic effect.
37
What do the brass play that represents the Imperial forces?
Two chordal figures ## Footnote These figures symbolize the might and presence of the Imperial forces.
38
What type of chords are played in rhythmic unison across the orchestra?
Dissonant (clashing) chords ## Footnote Dissonance creates tension and conflict in the music.
39
What musical technique is indicated by 'ritardando'?
Slowing down ## Footnote This technique is often used to create dramatic pauses.
40
What time signature change occurs in the music?
Change to triple time ## Footnote This change alters the feel and flow of the music.
41
What do the strings, lower brass, and woodwind play as an ostinato figure?
On the note C ## Footnote An ostinato provides a repetitive rhythmic and melodic foundation.
42
What do brass and upper woodwind play to accompany shots of the Imperial forces?
Dramatic triads ## Footnote These triads enhance the visual imagery associated with the Imperial forces.
43
What happens to the sustained low C in Cello/Bass/Bass Clarinet as the cue ends?
It fades away ## Footnote This indicates a transition in the musical texture as the cue concludes.
44
What type of texture dominates the extract?
Homophonic texture ## Footnote This includes a combination of tune and accompaniment.
45
What accompanies the Main theme A and contrasting melody B?
Block chords, arpeggios, or rhythmic articulations of chords ## Footnote These elements contribute to the overall harmony and support of the melodies.
46
What characterizes the texture from bar 4 onwards?
Melody-dominated homophony ## Footnote This involves an octave doubled tune supported by block or articulated chords.
47
What variety of textures is used in this extract?
A variety of pedal textures ## Footnote This includes inverted tonic pedal and dominant pedal.
48
What is the function of the structure of this extract?
To match and reinforce the opening section of the film ## Footnote This structural choice enhances the cinematic experience.
49
What sections are included in the structure of the extract?
* Introduction * Main theme (A) * Main theme repeated (A) * Contrasting section (B) * Main theme (A) played twice ## Footnote These sections reflect the narrative development of the film.
50
What occurs during bars 12-15?
Dominant pedal ## Footnote This pedal supports the harmonic foundation during this segment.
51
What is indicated by the 'Crawling' text moving across the screen?
It sets the scene for the film ## Footnote This is a typical cinematic technique to introduce the narrative.
52
What visual elements are revealed as the camera pans downwards?
Two planets and then a third ## Footnote This visual transition enhances the storytelling aspect of the film.
53
What happens when a spaceship comes into view?
It is pursued and attacked by a much larger craft ## Footnote This introduces conflict and action in the narrative.
54
What action switches to the inside of the Rebel craft?
The spaceship being pursued and attacked ## Footnote This shift in perspective adds to the tension of the scene.
55
Fill in the blank: The texture includes a variety of _______.
pedal textures ## Footnote This includes different types of pedal usages in the music.
56
True or False: The Main theme is played only once in the structure of the extract.
False ## Footnote The Main theme is repeated multiple times.
57
What is the main theme section's musical structure?
AABA shape ## Footnote The main theme is constructed using regular four bar phrases.
58
How does the remainder of the extract derive its structure?
From the narrative/action on the screen ## Footnote This section has less of a purely musical structure.
59
What is the tonality of the extract for the first 29 bars?
B♭ major ## Footnote This tonality is clear in the initial section.
60
What happens to the tonality from bar 30 onwards?
Becomes less clear with unstable harmonies ## Footnote More complex harmonies and progressions emerge.
61
What key does the music modulate to at bar 36?
C major (with added A♭) ## Footnote This modulation introduces new harmonic elements.
62
What is often heard as a bass pedal from bar 42 onwards?
The note C ## Footnote This note serves as a foundational element in the harmony.
63
What characterizes the passage from bars 41-60?
Almost atonal with dissonance ## Footnote This section features complex chords and bitonality.
64
What is the predominant nature of the harmony?
Predominantly tonal ## Footnote It is based around a key note and its scale.
65
Which chords are primarily used in the harmonic style?
Major and minor chords ## Footnote Mostly in root position and first inversion.
66
What type of harmony is used in the opening Fanfare?
Quartal harmony ## Footnote Built up of fourths rather than thirds.
67
In bars 4-7, what proportion of the chords use Quartal harmony?
Almost half ## Footnote This is typically where chord V would be expected.
68
What type of cadence is featured at the end of the first phrase in the A section (bar 7)?
Imperfect cadence ## Footnote This progression lands on the dominant chord (V).
69
What is unique about the chord progression leading to chord V in bar 7?
Moves in parallel motion by semitone steps ## Footnote The preceding chords create an unusual movement.
70
What chords are mixed in bars 33, 34, and 35?
C major and D♭ major ## Footnote This produces strange, unstable effects.
71
What is used in bars 36-38 to inflect the C major chord?
Notes from C minor (an A♭ and a B♭) ## Footnote This creates a rich, vibrant effect in the melody.
72
What is the effect of the strings and brass in bars 39-41?
They are in different keys, resulting in an almost atonal effect ## Footnote Atonality refers to music that lacks a tonal center or key.
73
What are the characteristics of the hammered unison chords at bar 44?
They are dissonant, with strong clashes between the pairs of notes C/Db and F/G ## Footnote This type of closely-spaced chord is called a cluster.
74
What musical interval is represented by the tritone in bar 44?
Augmented fourth / diminished fifth, specifically G - Db ## Footnote The tritone is known for its dissonant sound.
75
What keys are the chords played above the pulsating ostinato C from bar 51?
Firstly Db major and later Fb (E) major ## Footnote The use of different keys contributes to the harmonic complexity.
76
What makes Williams' melodies notable in his scores?
They are memorable and significantly contribute to the success of his scores.
77
What gestures are used in the opening three bars of the melody?
Rapid repeated notes on the Tonic, Bb, and triplet arpeggio-like figures based on leaps of a fourth ## Footnote These gestures create a distinctive melodic style.
78
Which notes feature prominently in the melody's opening bars?
F, Bb, Eb, and Ab ## Footnote The four-note chord (F Bb Eb Ab) is also used in the harmonization of the Main Theme.
79
What interval is featured in the Trumpet idea in bars 2 and 3?
Leap of a minor seventh, from F to Eb ## Footnote This interval is also significant in the Main Theme.
80
How is the Main Star Wars Theme structured?
It is made up of two ideas and consists of a four-bar idea repeated to form an eight-bar phrase.
81
What is a notable characteristic of the Main Theme (A)?
It uses a careful balance of stepwise motion and leaps.
82
What creates the heroic feel in bar 1 of the Main Theme?
A rising perfect fifth idea from Tonic to Dominant notes ## Footnote This aligns with the character of Luke Skywalker.
83
What rhythmic features are present in bars 2, 3, and 4 of the Main Theme?
They are based on the same rhythm, using triplet quavers and a tied minim across beats two and three.
84
What is the character of the Main Theme (B) compared to Theme (A)?
It has a less forceful character and provides an effective contrast.
85
What unique rhythmic element appears in the upbeat of the Main Theme (B)?
An anacrusis (upbeat) that appears in the last beat of bar 11.

Music Set Works (8 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions