Compare

two dance passages by different composers and write in detail about each. Refer to melody,
rhythm and metre and use of instruments as appropriate.

The Farmer and the Cowman, Oklahoma The Dance at the Gym, West Side Story
Melody Fanfare-like melody in the voice evokes Semi-tone motif in the opening melody creates
connotations of joy, merriment and incredible suspense, generating immense tension,
ultimately, celebration, informing audiences almost becoming reflective of the troubled
that past conflicts have undergone relationships of the opposing Jets and Sharks
resolution. gangs.
The entirety of the orchestra doubles the Heavy melodic chromaticism further builds
melody line, which simply allows the tension, but ultimately evokes the Blues centred
prevalent music to become incredibly introduction through intended blues notes
prominent. Looking in more detail, however, additions.
the similarity between the voice and Melodic tremolo builds suspense, intriguing
orchestra symbolises the community unity listeners, and never once forgetting the dramatic
and sense of togetherness within the musical fate that waits.
at this point. The overall melody line itself Call and Response idea builds momentum, but
forms a significant chorus, which emphasises also becomes symbolic of the diversity between
overarching friendliness. the Jets and the Sharks and their opposing
Chromaticism adds melodic interest, opinions.
heightening the excitement further, allowing Simultaneous playing of both dominant melodic
listeners to stay connected. The repetition themes almost instils polyphony, creating
and basic similarities of the melody further dramatic impact within the music.
help listeners to become engaged and
participate within the arrangement.
Rhythm Prevalent Oom-Pah accompaniment relates Syncopation of the cluster chords also serves in
to the farmer-like origins, reminding creating the Blues feel, as well as further
audiences of the style of dance and also syncopation in the Mambo section driving the
serving as a frequent narrative device that Latin-American feel and generating intense
sets the Oklahoma scene. momentum vital for a dance number.
Metre 2/4 metre bears reference to a hoe-down 12/8 opening metre, serving as compound time,
feel, emulating the origin of the musical and is a very regular and common jazz metre,
its American South derivatives. emulating the opening Blues section.
Instruments Brass instruments play interjections in Heavy brass influence in the Blues section, adding
between the vocals, not only to add new to a brassy big band feel and creating dramatic
ideas to the repetitive structure, but to emphasis, which heightens excitement.
heighten the drama and excitement of the Inclusion of the Bongos, Timbales and Cowbells
dance number, all in all. become reflective of the South-American/Latin
The woodwind section play semi-quaver American feel, reminding listeners of the
passages, adding further ideas to the prominent character roots.
composition, but they allow momentum to The purposeful muted trumpet provides
be withheld a feature critical for success versatility within the brass section, altering the
within a dance number, helping to evoke the melodic effect and creating a distinct sound,
energetic feel. creating excitement, as often trumpets are used
The chordal instrumentation at the Meno for fanfare celebration. Its very high melodic
Mosso manipulates the mood to create writing allows the instrument to become
contrast, assisting the melody in word dominant.
painting reflective of the wise-centred text. Improvisation within the brass section becomes
the very pinnacle of the building of tension,
pushing it to its extremities, highlighting finality
of the brash, thrilling dance section.