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The Beatles: Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds - AQAThe elements of music to consider

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds is on the album Sgt. Pepper鈥檚 Lonely Hearts Club Band. The song can be classed as psychedelic rock due to its unusual timbres and lyrics.

Part of MusicPopular music

The elements of music to consider

Structure

The song is written in a verse-chorus format. The structure is:

  1. intro
  2. verse 1
  3. pre-chorus
  4. chorus
  5. verse 2
  6. pre-chorus
  7. chorus
  8. verse 3
  9. chorus
  10. 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 throughout the song
  • 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
  • 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
  • the overall texture is

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 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