Star Wars

23 - John Williams: Star Wars IV – A New Hope (0.00-1.08)

1. Suggest a suitable word to describe the rhythm of the accompaniment when the main theme is first heard. (1)

2. What two instruments play a glissando in the opening bars? (2)

3. Describe the use of dynamics in the extract. (3)

4. Explain three musical ways in which the opening theme is suitable as a leitmotif for a heroic character. (3)

5. Describe the tonality of the extract (1)

6. Identify the rising musical interval between the first two notes of the main theme. (1)

7. Name the instrument that plays the first theme. (1)

8. Two contrasting themes are heard in the extract. Identify two differences and two similarities between the melody and rhythm of these two themes. (4)

9. The first theme is played twice (A1 and A2) with small differences. Describe how they are different. (2)

10. Compare the 1^st theme with the 2^nd theme. Describe how the composer achieves a change and contrast of mood in the 2^nd theme. (3)

11. Identify the metre in this extract. (1)

12. Explain why it is surprising that John Williams does not used electronic effects or synthesisers in this score. (2)

24 - John Williams: Star Wars IV – A New Hope (1.10-1.55)

1. Name the melodic device played by the strings at the beginning. (1)

2. Name the keyboard instrument that plays in the extract. (1)

3. Name two percussion instruments that play in the extract. (2)

4. Name the time signature at the end of the extract.

5. How does the tempo change at the end of the extract? (1)

6. Suggest a suitable word to describe the texture of the music. (1)

25 - John Williams: Star Wars IV – A New Hope (1.23-2.14)

1. Name the ornament played by the flute at the beginning of the extract. (1)

2. What word best describes the tonality at the end? (1)

3. Which two of the following compositional devices are used in the extract? Put crosses in the two correct boxes. (2)

A Riff

B Ostinato

C Pedal

D Wah wah

E Imitation

4. Name the instrument that plays the melody at the beginning. (1)

5. Name the final instrument that plays in the extract. (1)

6. Evaluate the suitability of the music at the beginning of the extract in underscoring an empty star filled sky. (4)

7. Which one of the following best describes the type of chord played by the upper brass instruments in the final section of the extract? Put a cross in the correct box. (1)

A Minor triad

B Dominant 7th

C Diminished 7th

D Neapolitan 6th

8. Explain how one feature of rhythm in this extract helps to create the mood of the music. (2)

9. Describe the tempo at the end of the extract. (1)

26 - John Williams: Star Wars IV – A New Hope (1.43-end)

1. Identify the metre of this extract. (2)

2. Name the compositional device heard throughout the extract. (1)

3. Name a rhythmic pattern heard in almost every bar of the extract. (1)

4. Complete this sentence: The first half of the extract has a ____________ texture. (1)

5. How does the tempo change during this extract? (2)

6. The second half of the extract contains an ostinato in the bass. What is an ostinato? (2)