Lesson Objectives:
To understand what is meant by extended chords and where they are used in Star Wars.
To understand what a perfect cadence is and be able to find these in the score.
To understand some of the ways the B theme contrasts with the A theme.
To analyse bars 11—20, which includes the B section, link bars and a repeat of the A section.
To choose a composition and performance task based on bars 11 –17.
Extended Chords
A triad is made up of the 1st, 3rd and 5th note of a scale, so in Bb major that is Bb, D and F.
When we add notes to these triads they become extended chords.
If we add the 6th note of the scale then it becomes a Bb6
An F6 would look like this
Perfect Cadences
A perfect cadence is made up of 2 chords—the dominant and the tonic.
These can be spotted by looking in the bass.
In Bb major that would be from F to Bb. Star Wars has many perfect cadences
Review Questions:
1) Identify 2 features of the B theme melody
2) What harmonic feature can be heard in bars 12—14
3) How does the orchestration change for the B theme
4) Identify the texture at bar 18
5) State 2 ways Williams contrasts the A and B themes