Analysis Help

Question 1

What to listen for when analysing melody?

Answer 1

• shape (ascending, descending, arched)
• phrasing (symmetrical/asymmetrical)
• intervals (stepwise, leaps)
• ornamentation (trills, turns, slides)
• scales (major, minor)
• motifs or themes (repeated ideas)
• expressive details (e.g., legato, staccato)

Question 2

What to listen for when analysing tonality & harmony?

Answer 2

• key
• chord types (major, minor, diminished, augmented)
• cadences (perfect, imperfect, plagal, interrupted)
• chord progressions
• harmonic rhythm (frequency of chord changes)
• modulations
• extensions and alterations (7ths, 9ths, 11ths)

Question 3

What to listen for when analysing Rhythm & Metre?

Answer 3

• time signature
• rhythmic patterns (syncopation, dotted rhythms, triplets)
• tempo
• groove and feel (swing, straight)
• polyrhythms or cross-rhythms
• repeated rhythmic motifs

Question 4

What to listen for when analysing texture?

Answer 4

• texture type (monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic, heterophonic)
• layering (how many instruments/voices)
• density (thick or thin texture)
• interplay between parts (call and response, counterpoint)
• doubling of parts (in unison or octaves)
• change in texture across sections (e.g., solo to tutti)

Question 5

What to listen for when analysing structure & form?

Answer 5

• form type (binary, ternary, rondo, sonata)
• sections (verse, chorus, bridge, etc.)
• transitions between sections
• recapitulation of themes
• climax or resolution points
• use of codas or introductions

Question 6

What to listen for when analysing timbre & instrumentation?

Answer 6

• instrumentation (which instruments or voices)
• tone colour (bright, dark, warm, metallic)
• playing techniques (pizzicato, vibrato, glissando)
• roles of each instrument (melody, harmony, rhythm)
• timbre variations across sections
• vocal techniques (falsetto, belting, scat singing)

Question 7

What to listen for when analysing dynamics?

Answer 7

• dynamic range (pp to ff)
• changes in dynamics (crescendo, decrescendo)
• sudden dynamic shifts
• articulations (staccato, legato, accented, tenuto)
• expressive use of dynamics to convey mood
• how dynamics support structure (e.g., loud chorus, soft verse)

Question 8

What to listen for when analysing style and context?

Answer 8

• genre/style
• historical period (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, etc.)
• cultural or social influences
• stylistic conventions (swing in jazz, ornamentation in Baroque)
• typical instrumentation for the style
• influences of specific composers or artists
• characteristics that define the style (e.g., improvisation in jazz)