What is the structure of this piece?
Consists of one distinct musical section based on a simple motif, contrasted with shorter contrasting harmonic transitional phrases
What is the tonality of this piece?
C Dorian
Of the first nine chords, how many are full chords?
Only one- it’s major
Describe the rhythm of the melodic material
Long note values- moves in crochets mainly. Reflective character
Describe the metre of this piece?
It changes frequently includes 4/4, 5/4, ¾ and 6/4
What gives the melodic material its dance-like character?
The acciaccaturas
How does the piece begin?
With ambient drone sounds on an open 5th
Describe the main timbres used
Piano, strings and ambient synth drones, which evolve and distort through use of effects
Describe the timbre of the transitional chord sections
Strings only
What is the harmony of the first transitional chord section?
Eb, Ab, Cm7, Fsus2( much fuller chords with more expressive dissonance)
How does the second chord transition differ from the first?
It is more bare. Less full chords
What may the time signature change represent?
The random dancing of the plastic bag
Describe the piano voicings
3 note voicings with wide intervals
What is the direction of both transitional sections?
Ascending( transcendent?)
Which interval does Newman find ‘heavenly’?
Augmented 4th/tritone
Which note is suggested as the tonic during the transition chords?
Eb
What do the transition chords underscore?
Moments of transcendence in the narration
Which moment of conflict is underscored by this theme?
Jamie’s argument with mum, who hits her. Jamie looks at her face in mirror and then out the window, where she sees Ricky watching- transcends the difficult moment
Which moment of fear is underscored by this theme?
Jamie undressing in front of Ricky
She is unhappy with her body but transcends this fear in this moment
What is the final moment in the film when we hear this music?
During Lester’s death scene and when his body is found by Ricky and Jamie