Newman- Jellyfish Forest

A-level Music for Media

How does the B section music support the action?

It’s dance-like music, reminiscent of hoe down. It makes the danger of the scene feel like a game- removes some of the tension

Which timbres give the B section a greater sense of energy?

Percussion instruments- woodblock particularly

How does the timbre of the B section mimic the action?

There is use of a drum hit with an immediate rising portamento. This mickey mouses the jumping on the jellyfish

How is the fear of losing Dory under-scored at the end?

Through the use of a low held pedal note

Which piece is the B section similar to?

Hoe down by Aaron Copland

Which intervals create the opening harmony?

An augmented 4th and diminished 4th

How does the melodic movement of the accompaniment in the B section mimic the action?

The accompaniment rises and falls, mimicking the jumping

Describe the melody and rhythm of the bass clarinet music

Short note values, fast scalic runs up and down over a small interval and short phrases

Which timbre enters with lower chords and what is it perhaps imitating?

Brass- distant ship’s horn

How is a shimmering timbre created to reflect the water and the panic in the opening chords?

Through use of string tremolo

How does Newman create and abrupt entry into the upbeat character of the 2nd section?

He uses a rising conjunct glissando-like run in the strings

How does Newman create a contrast in texture in the B section?

He uses sudden homophonic( or melody-led homophony) music for two bars

How is the sense of nausea that comes with fear conveyed through the music?

There are woodwind chords in 2nd inversion which sway chromatically up and down

How does Newman retain some of the underlying unease in the B section music?

Through use of a triadic melody baseline around a G minor and not major chord

Which three timbres possibly make up the sound effect present in the A section?

A bowed cymbal

Use of sizzle chain on the cymbal

A coin scrape on a cymbal

How does the rhythm of the accompaniment mimic the action in the B section?

Through the use of motor rhythms repeated quavers

In the B section the music changes abruptly. Describe its tempo

The tempo is much faster

Which instrument technique is used in the double bass?

Pitch bends

Which mode is present in this piece?

The phrygian mode

How does the main melody of the B section mimic the action?

It is disjunct with alternating rising and falling notes to mimic the bouncing

What notes are used in the opening chord?

Ab, E, Bb

How is the initial chord built up and what is this perhaps inspired by?

Gradually notes are added and held

Like the start of Herrmann’s Murder

Which two lower timbres are in dialogue in the A section?

Bass clarinets and double bass