star wars-rebel blockade runner

This section begins with a short 6-bar link section. The first three bars are composed using two main features. What are they?

A gradually building chord based on quartal harmony followed by rising string using a loose ascending sequence.

What does the bass line do during this section?

It begins on the dominant note (F) and then moves to the tonic (Bb).

The link section ends with three bars of unrelated chords. What are these chords?

Db maj7 with #9, followed by A minor then Ab aug

Why does Williams use these unrelated chords?

To destabilise the key of Bb major that we have had up until now. The chords help to unsettle us as the music moves away from the heroic Bb major to a dark and uncertain, even sinister tonality through the unease.

The Rebel Blockade Runner theme comprises of three very quiet bars which create a light and spacious feel. How does Williams achieve this?

One static harmony creates a sense of stillness. The twinkling ostinatos in the harp and flute trill (creating an inner pedal) add sparkling sounds and the piccolo melody is light and airy. The whole tesitura (pitch range) is high - with all instruments written in the treble clef.

At the end of the space like - Rebel Blockade Runner, there are three bars of link again where the strings once again swirl upwards. Describe the dynamics in this section.

As the strings enter it builds from forte to fortissimo.

In the link bars at the end of the Rebel Blockade Runner space theme, how does Williams use the harmony?

The chord is still a static C chord which gradually builds in number of notes. It also causes a lot of dissonance (clashing sounds) against the swirling strings.