Listen to this extract from the opening theme of Jaws (first 50 seconds would be played). What musical devices does Williams use to build the feeling of tension? (4 marks)

The extract begins with a rising semi-tone played at a low volume at a very low range (tessitura). The dynamics slowly increase (crescendo) throughout (1) and the semi-tone idea returns closer and closer together which creates tension as you begin to wonder what is going to happen next (1). The semi-tone idea then increases in tempo dramatically (1) and off beat accents enter in the percussion to shock the listener.

Answered by Alicia H. Music tutor

4150 Views

See similar Music GCSE tutors

Related Music GCSE answers

All answers ▸

I've heard the word supertonic before. What does this mean?


What harmonic, melodic and rhythmic elements are common in 20th Century Music?


What is the difference between a perfect cadence and a plagal cadence?


What does it mean for a piece of music to have major harmony, minor harmony?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences