The elements of music to consider
Structure
The song is written in a verse-chorus format. The structure is:
- intro
- verse 1
- pre-chorus
- chorus
- verse 2
- pre-chorus
- chorus
- verse 3
- chorus
- chorus until fade-out.
Tonality
The song is written in three different keys:
- A major - introduction and verse
- B鈾 major - pre-chorus
- G major - chorus
The song ends on an imperfect cadence - D major chord.
Rhythm and metre
The features to take note from the song are:
- the organ has offbeat chords
- there is the use of some dotted rhythmA dot after the note increases its value by half again. throughout the song
- augmentationA rhythm that is repeated with longer durations. is portrayed
- the intro, verses and pre-chorus are written in triple metre
- the chorus is in quadruple metre
- two contrasting tempos:
- moderate tempo in verses and pre-chorus
- faster in chorus
Instrumentation and timbre
The studio techniques to be aware of include:
- new recording techniques are used in the song 鈥 Lowrey organ, distorted lead guitar (through Leslie speaker) and tamburaA long-necked folk string instrument.
- an echo effect is added to create a surreal feeling
Texture
If asked about the textures in the song, refer to:
- the organ intro is monophonicA texture consisting of a solo musical line.
- the overall texture is melody and accompanimentA type of texture where there is only one clear melody and an accompaniment that plays different notes and rhythms but is supporting the melody.
Pitch and melody
Remember the following points regarding melody and pitch:
- the introduction is played by the organ. This ostinato is then repeated in the verse
- the song is made up of two melodies, both are almost identical
- there is limited melody in verse and pre-chorus
- tone painting is employed
- the melody has an echo effect added into the pre-chorus
- the melody uses a descending scale creating a conjunct movement
- the countermelody is played by the electric guitar through a Leslie speaker and the drone is played by the tambura
- harmonised thirds are portrayed in the chorus vocal melody
- the lead guitar has an improvisationComposing music on the spot or during a performance. countermelody towards the end of the song
Dynamics
Consider the following dynamic points:
- the introduction of the piece is played in mezzo piano (mp)
- dynamics change to forte (f) on the last word 鈥済one鈥 in the pre-chorus
- the chorus is played in (f)
- the song ends with a diminuendo A dynamic change when the music decreases in loudness.