����ý

Form and structure

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

1. introduction
2. verse 1
3. verse 2
4. chorus
5. instrumental
6. verse 3
7. chorus

Harmony and tonality

The essential features include:

• the tonic of the mode is C and the tonal centre of the song
• there is use of a tri-tone in the verse between E and B♭
• the final two bars sound unresolved because both the notes C and D are performed simultaneously

Rhythm, metre and tempo

The features to take note from the song are:

• triplet rhythms in a 2/4 introduction bar played by the tabla
• the tabla plays a 16-beat tintal
• dotted rhythms occur in the introduction which causes syncopation
• each verse is written with lots of minims, which creates a slow and reflective mood
• the chorus sections are different and have a simple crotchet rhythm
• there are three changing time signatures - 4/4, 2/4 and 5/4
• a rubato tempo marking is included at the start of the song

Instrumentation and timbre

The instruments and studio techniques to be aware of include:

• Indian instruments: sitar, swarmandal, dilruba, table, tambura
• Western instruments: violins, cellos, acoustic guitar
• the lyrics reflect Indian philosophy

Texture

If asked about the textures in the song, refer to:

• the texture is predominantly melody and accompaniment
• the violins and cellos play a simple melody in unison in verse 2
• imitation between vocal line and strings in the third verse
• the musical conversation played out during instrumental called the sawal-jawab

Pitch and melody

Remember the following points regarding melody and pitch:

• the music is based on a Khamaj thaat scale - C, D, E, F, G, A, B♭ and C
• the melody changes at the end of verse 2 - it moves to a high register on the words 'If they only knew'
• the tambura and cellos play the accompanying drone on C in the chorus
• a melodic imitative dialogue between vocals and strings is heard in verse 3