Superman

Question 1

What is the Leitmotif (short, reoccurring musical idea) in superman ? (2)

Answer 1

• The heroic fanfare-like theme which occurs at the beginning.
• It is based around the notes of the tonic triad and concentrating on the intervals of the fourth and fifth

Question 2

Name the instrument which plays the opening theme

Answer 2

French horn

Question 3

How does John Williams avoid predictability ?(2)

Answer 3

• His harmonies are essentially tonal but avoids predictability by adding unprepared or unresolved dissonances.
• E.g The cadence which occurs at the end of the first statement of the march theme

Question 4

What is a characteristic feature of modern music? (5)

Answer 4

• The use of quartal harmony and dissonance
• usually full orchestra with much brass and percussion
• emphasis on sampled sounds
• use a leitmotif to depict a character
• Two main melodies, familiar opening and contrasting section

Question 5

Tonality ?

Answer 5

C major (ends in G major)

Question 6

Time signature ?

Answer 6

4/4 alternating with 12/8

Question 7

Describe theme A - opening fanfare

Answer 7

• Tonic pedal point is provided by a timpani roll over which the fanfare theme (a) is played by trumpets and horns.
• The fanfare is repeated with trombones added an octave lower.
• Syncopated rhythm and an accelerando at the end lead into the faster march section.
• The rhythmic ostinato on lower strings, bass clarinet and tuba anticipates the 12/8 time signature of the march.

Question 8

How does Williams generate excitement ? (3)

Answer 8

• A trumpet fanfare consisting of rising fourths generates a feeling of anticipation.
• A tonic pedal point is provided by a timpani roll
• Syncopated rhythm and an accelerando at the end lead into the faster march section.

Question 9

Describe theme B - March

Answer 9

• Theme b is linked to the opening fanfare in that the rising fifth also features prominently.
• It is played by trumpets and is punctuated with full orchestral chords, cymbal crashes, triangle rolls and fragments of the original ostinato rhythm in lower strings and timpani.
• The first 8 bars finish with a rapid rising scale in the violins.
• Theme (b) is repeated with the added brightness of the glockenspiel and scales in the woodwind which are doubled by the piccolo.

Question 10

Melody (3)

Answer 10

• The melodies of each theme are each connected. Theme A connects to theme B by both melodies featuring prominent use of the rising fifth, and theme B and theme C (love theme) share triadic movement in their melodies.
• The melody of theme A is the leitmotif of the heroic fanfare-like theme and is played by the French horn. It is based around the notes of the tonic triad And concentrates on the intervals of the fourth and fifth with a triplet
• The rising legato melody in the horns– theme (c) - is continued by oboes and clarinets in octaves in an ascending sequence while a violin countermelody imitates fragments of the melody.

Question 11

Harmony (3)

Answer 11

• Although Williams’ harmonies are essentially tonal, he avoids predictability by adding unprepared or unresolved dissonances e.g the F major chord on the last beat of the bar in the March theme which is contradicted by G in the bass.
• Sometimes chords are constructed using fourths (G, C, F) rather than thirds (G, B, D) or major 7ths are added to ordinary chords (C, E, G, B).
• The use of quartal harmony and dissonance is a characteristic feature of modern music.

Question 12

Describe the orchestration (3)

Answer 12

• This piece is scored for an extended modern symphony orchestra including additional instruments such as piccolo, bass clarinet and glockenspiel
• Prominent use of the brass, percussion and the string sections during theme B such as the full orchestral chords, cymbal crashes, triangle rolls and rapid rising scales in the violins is typical of John Williams
• The orchestration generates a sense of anticipation by using the rhythmic ostinato on lower strings, bass clarinet and tuba to anticipate the 12/8 time signature of the march and the trumpet fanfare consisting of rising fourths

Question 13

Dynamics and Tonality

Answer 13

• The Superman Theme begins in C major and ends in G major, remaining in major keys throughout to highlight the heroic nature of the character the piece is presenting
• The harmonies are mainly major triads (Db, C and F) to which dissonant major sevenths have been added. Tension is produced using these major triads by changing the harmony to DB major over Gb in the bass
• The piece opens as mezzopiano and suddenly becomes forte with the cymbal crash on the highest note E. Ends with fortissimo with full orchestra chords

Question 14

Structure

Answer 14

• Divided into three principle themes, the opening fanfare theme A, The March theme B and the love theme C with a rhythmic ostinato played by lower strings and brass sections in anticipation of the 12/8 time signature and in fragments
• The time signature alternates between 4/4 and 12/8 to accommodate the faster March theme
• Phrase length therefore is imbalanced

Question 15

Who composed it?

Answer 15

John Williams

Question 16

Name another movie containing John William’s music

Answer 16

Jurassic Park

Question 17

Year of composition

Answer 17

1978

Question 18

How is this music typical of John Williams ?

Answer 18

Classical orchestral scoring with the use of themes and leitmotif