Star Wars Introductory Fanfare

Question 1

Dynamic Features

Answer 1

• ff = fortissimo meaning “Very loud”

- Starts with a blast from the whole orchestra to capture attention, meant to be powerful and important

Question 2

Rhythmic features

Answer 2

• Overlapping trumpet lines and could be described as polyphonic
• Triplets, semi-quavers, quavers played very quickly and therefore give a sense of energy and excitement.
• Musical idea features many triplets

Question 3

Melodic features

Answer 3

• Overlapping melody lines giving the music the polyphonic texture
• Within the melody parts the interval of a fourth and seventh are commonly used. For example the trumpet motif in bar 2
• Predominance of 4ths and 7ths suggest power and strength

Question 4

Tonal features

Answer 4

• In Bmaj to create the positive grand atmosphere. It is a natural key for the horns and brass instruments in Bb
• The first bar starts with a large Bb chord played by all the orchestra for impact.
• Eb feature prominently, this is the 4th note of the Bbmaj scale. Adding a 4th makes the chord sound “suspended” therefore not settled, waiting for the resolution of the Bbmaj chord in bar 4, where the main theme establishes itself.

Question 5

Harmonic features

Answer 5

• The whole of the first 3 bars are built on the Bbmaj chord with added 4ths and 7ths
• The 7th of the scale is A, its been flattened to Ab in places therefore giving a dominant 7th chord sound
• The harmony produced by the several instruments could be described as quartal harmony
• The chord generated between the different instruments is a chord built of 4ths (Bb-Eb-Ab)
• Hearing the 4th Eb over the 3rd D again gives the suspended sound

Question 6

Instrumental features

Answer 6

• The full symphony orchestra of 90 people are playing, trumpets and other brass instruments however, holds the most attention, giving a sense of grandeur and importance

Question 7

Textural features

Answer 7

• Could be described as somewhat polyphonic through the overlapping melody lines
• Thick as the whole orchestra is playing

Question 8

Structural features

Answer 8

• 3 bars long so there isn’t necessarily a structure involved however it is the start of the piece and very impactful due to its ff effect