The musical elements to consider
Form and structure
Migra is written in a verse-chorus structure, which is typical of pop musicMusic which has general appeal and is often linked to styles of the 1950s. Driven by a strong rhythmic element. music:
- introduction
- verse
- interlude 1
- verse 2
- interlude 2
- interlude 3
- verse 3
- interlude 2
- interlude 1
Instrumentation and timbre
Santana combines instruments that are typically rock and Afro-Cuban, and employs guitar effects pedals Guitar effects are electronic devices that modify the sound of the instrument eg, wah-wah pedal. :
- the song includes distortion An electrified setting that can create a more fuzzy or gritty tone. and wah-wah pedalAn electric guitar effects pedal that changes the tone and frequencies of the guitar signal to create a sound that mimics the human voice. on the electric guitar
- instrumental solos are heard in the interludes
Harmony and tonality
The tonality of Migra can be ambiguous at times. It is based on the following:
- the tonal centre is F major
- the entire song is based on a single F chord
- there is tonal ambiguityIt is unclear whether the music is major or minor. in bars 11 and 12
- the guitar solo features dissonance When at least one note conflicts with the harmony of the chord or key signature.
Rhythm, metre and tempo
Sontana implements a fairly fast-paced rhythm which is a typical feature of samba music. Significant features are:
- the song has a set metre of 4/4
- the Bo Diddley beat is implemented, originating from the son claveA cuban rhythm heard in jazz which is sometimes described as a 3 - 2 rhythm owing to the three augmented strikes, then two faster strikes.
- the tom-tom drum beat heard in the intro establishes the underlying rhythm
- the vocal melody includes dotted rhythms and syncopationRhythm patterns where stressed notes are placed off the beat. before changing to quavers
- a consistent laid-back rock rhythm and a complex bass riff in the interlude 3
- the tempo is fairly quick at 125 bpmBeats per minute.
Texture and dynamics
The texture of Migra is created by the layering of instruments. The following techniques to create this, are:
- two voices sing in unisonTwo parts with matching rhythms and pitch or played in octaves. in the verse
- call and responseWhere one melody is answered by another. between vocals and the lead guitar is heard in the verse
- implementation of homophony in the brass section feature in interlude 3
- the texture is melody and accompaniment during the instrumental and solo passages
- the overall dynamicsThe volume of the music. is mezzo forteA dynamic level meaning to play moderately loud - can be shortened to mf. and forteShortened to f when written in the score. It means to play the music loud.
Melody
The melody has a bluesy feel and deploys the following devices:
- the piece has tonal ambiguityIt is unclear whether the music is major or minor. (A鈾 and A鈾)
- in bar 9, the bass riffA recurring pattern, often on guitar. only uses two notes (F and E)
- the vocal melody only has a limited five-note range, from C to G
- the accordionAn instrument that produces sound from compressed and expanded air in the bellows, while the keys on the side open holes for the air to release and sound. melody also has a limited range a fourth
- ornamentsNotes added to decorate a melody., turns and mordents, are included
- the trumpets play with parallel intervals and in thirds
- a complex bass riff is heard in interlude 3, using root, fifth, and seventh degrees of the scale
- an improvised and virtuosoA highly skilled performer. guitar solo
Lyrics
The lyrics in Migra are used to portray a powerful message:
- 'Migra' is slang for the US Immigration authorities
- although a protest song, 惭颈驳谤补鈥檚 message is one of peace
- a chant-like feel is achieved by repeating the same lyric lines
- most of the lyrics are in Spanish