Danny Elfman: 'Batman vs. the Circus'

Tonality:
What key comes after the first modulation?

C minor

Harmony:
What harmonic feature appears at the start?

Low B pedal

Texture:
Which textural feature increases the chaos of the scene?

Contrary motion

Structure:
What is the overall structure of this cue?

Through-composed

Tonality:
What key does the circus section start in?

E minor

Tonality:
There is an unprepared modulation to which key?

C# minor

Tonality:
What two other keys does the cue modulate to?

B minor, E minor

Melody:
Which motif is played at the start by the brass, then low wind then horns?

Batman motif

Melody:
Describe the cartoonish motif that plays throughout the cue.

'Oom-pah' motif

Melody/Harmony:
What scale is played by the harp?

Whole tone scale

Melody:
How is the Batman motif presented throughout the cue?

Fragmented

Melody:
Give an example of how the Batman motif is developed in this cue (particularly at the start).

Augmented

Melody:
Describe a motif that appears in this cue that elevates the tension and chaos of the scene.

Descending four note motif

Harmony:
What kind of chord appears in this cue that elevates the tension/instability?

Diminished 7th

Harmony:
How does the cue end?

E (no chord)

Harmony:
How does the harmony create a sense of constant movement and chaos?

Fast harmonic change

Texture:
How is heroic atmosphere created when the bat signal appears onscreen?

Full tutti chord

Texture:
What textural feature appears throughout the cue?

Ostinato

Texture:
How is the quaver ostinato emphasised in this cue?

8ves on piano

Texture:
What does the xylophone add to the texture?

Countermelody

Rhythm, Tempo & Metre/Texture:
How does the rhythm increase the chaos of the scene? (2)

Crossrhythms, syncopation

Rhythm, Tempo & Metre:
Give examples of different time signatures that appear in this cue. (4)

3/4, 4/4, 2/4, 5/4

Rhythm, Tempo & Metre:
How does the rhythm create fragmentary ideas?

Lots of rests

Rhythm, Tempo & Metre:
Give examples of some irregular note groupings in this cue. (2)

Triplets, sextuplets

Sonority:
How is a sense of foreboding created at the start of the cue?

Low notes

Sonority:
What technique is used in the violin and harp?

Glissando

Sonority:
Give examples of cartoonish/circus-like instrumentation in this cue. (4)

Snare drum rolls, temple blocks, xylophone, fairground steam organ

Sonority:
What technique is applied to the trumpets?

Mutes

Sonority:
What technique is applied to the horns?

Stopping

Sonority:
What technique is applied to the oboe?

Vibrato