The elements of music to consider
Form and structure
The song is written in a verse-chorus format. The structure is:
- introduction
- verse 1
- verse 2
- chorus
- instrumental
- verse 3
- chorus
Harmony and tonality
The essential features include:
- the tonicThe first degree of a scale and the central key of music. In Roman numerals this is I. of the mode is C and the tonal centre of the song
- there is use of a tri-toneAn interval of an augmented 4th ,where three complete tones are used (eg F – B). in the verse between E and B♭
- the final two bars sound unresolved because both the notes C and D are performed simultaneously
Rhythm, metre and tempo
The features to take note from the song are:
- tripletA group of three equal length notes played in the space of two, eg three quavers played in the space of two quavers. rhythms in a 2/4 introduction bar played by the tabla
- the tabla plays a 16-beat tintalA common type of tala, which refers to a time meter in Indian classical music.
- dotted rhythms occur in the introduction which causes syncopationOffbeat rhythms.
- each verse is written with lots of minims, which creates a slow and reflective mood
- the chorus sections are different and have a simple crotchet rhythm
- there are three changing time signatureNumbers or letters written at the start of a piece of music depicting how many beats are in a bar and what type of beat are in each bar. - 4/4, 2/4 and 5/4
- a rubato Rhythmic freedom by a slight speeding up and then slowing down of the tempo of a piece at the discretion of the soloist or the conductor. Rubato is often heard in Romantic music. tempo marking is included at the start of the song
Instrumentation and timbre
The instruments and studio techniques to be aware of include:
- Indian instruments: sitar, swarmandal, dilruba, table, tambura
- Western instruments: violins, cellos, acoustic guitar
- the lyrics reflect Indian philosophy
Texture
If asked about the textures in the song, refer to:
- the texture is predominantly melody and accompanimentA type of texture where there is only one clear melody and an accompaniment that plays different notes and rhythms but is supporting the melody.
- the violins and cellos play a simple melody in unisonTwo parts with matching rhythms and pitch or played in octaves. in verse 2
- imitation between vocalThe voice as a musical instrument. line and strings in the third verse
- the musical conversation played out during instrumental called the sawal-jawab
Pitch and melody
Remember the following points regarding melody and pitch:
- the music is based on a Khamaj thaat scale - C, D, E, F, G, A, B♭ and C
- the melody changes at the end of verse 2 - it moves to a high register on the words 'If they only knew'
- the tambura and cellos play the accompanying droneTwo notes sounded together as an accompaniment, often a 5th apart. on C in the chorus
- a melodic imitative dialogue between vocals and strings is heard in verse 3