Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody (1975) Analysis

Vocabulary and technical terminology related to the musical analysis of Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' (1975) from the album 'Night at the Opera'.

Progressive Rock

The musical style of Queen, characterized by innovative, adventurous ideas that broke the mold of Classic Rock.

Through-composed

A structural approach used to create clear contrast between the 5 sections: A Capella, Pop Ballad, Operatic, Rock, and Coda.

Multi-tracking

A recording technique typical of the Queen sound applied to both Guitar and Vocals.

Panning

An audio technique used in the Opera section to create an Antiphonal effect.

Rubato

An expressive rhythmic flexibility used in the vocals during the Ballad sections.

Demi-semiquaver

The rhythmic value used in a virtuosic passage during the Guitar solo.

$$4/4$$

The primary metre of the song, with occasional bars of $5/4$ and $2/4$ in the A Capella and Verse sections.

$$12/8$$

The metre specifically used for the Rock section, which also features syncopated vocals.

Homophonic

The texture of the A Capella singing in the opening and the fortissimo singing in the Opera section.

Homorhythmic

A texture used in the Opera section alongside homophony to create a powerful impact.

Arpeggiated Piano

The instrument and technique that provides the Melody & Accompaniment texture in the Ballad section.

Antiphonal

An effect in the Opera section created through Call & Response singing and panning.

Circle of 5ths

The harmonic sequence used at the start of the A Capella section, making it initially harmonically ambiguous.

Chromatic melodies

A melodic feature used on the lyrics 'easy come easy go'.

Rallentando

A gradual slowing of tempo used within the Ballad section.

$$Bb$$

The key of the Ballad section and the specific chord (Chord V) used at the end of the Opera section to create a perfect cadence into the Rock section.

$$Eb\,maj$$

The key that the Opera section modulates to and the tonality of the Guitar solo in the Rock section.

$$F\,maj$$

The final chord of the song, which sounds slightly unfinished.

Glissando

One of several guitar techniques mentioned alongside hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides.