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Analysis Of Hedwig's Theme 'From Star Wars'

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After listening to extracts from ‘Hedwig’s Theme’ and the main theme from ‘Star Wars’ I have noticed numerous similarities and differences between them.
One such similarity is the use of glissando. Glissando is a glide from one pitch to another. This technique is predominantly heard on flutes in these pieces. In both, glissando is repeated throughout the music and played as an accompaniment to the melody.
Another similarity between ‘Hedwig’s Theme’ and the main theme from ‘Star Wars’ is the employment of a large orchestra. This is done to give the music a thicker texture which is especially important in the main theme from ‘Star Wars’ as the purpose of the introduction is to establish the atmosphere of a great celebration. Furthermore, …show more content…

A leitmotif is a short, constantly recurring musical phrase associated with a particular person, place, or idea. In ‘Hedwig’s Theme’, the leitmotif is the main melody which is played on different instruments throughout the duration of the music. It begins on woodwind and is later imitated on brass and string instruments, such as horns.
A difference between ‘Hedwig’s Theme’ and the main theme from ‘Star Wars’ is the method of dynamic change. In the main theme from ‘Star Wars’, dynamic changes are primarily very sudden, altering the mood of the music considerably. An example of this happening is the dynamic change from bar 38 to 39; bar 38 is played piano before bar 39 is played forte without a crescendo. On the other hand, ‘Hedwig’s Theme’ starts pianissimo and gradually crescendos. These different methods of dynamic change reflect the scene the composer is trying to set in each extract.
Also, the main instruments heard in the main theme from ‘Star Wars’ are brass instruments, whereas ‘Hedwig’s Theme’ is mainly played on woodwind and strings. This is to emphasise different melodies and musical ideas. The leitmotif in the main theme from ‘Star Wars’ is played on a trumpet because it is a celebratory fanfare. Alternatively, ‘Hedwig’s Theme’ mainly uses strings and woodwind instruments to give a light and mysterious

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