Indian PacificJames Ledger

Influence

• Named after the

transcontinental train that

runs from Sydney to Perth

• Programmatic symphonic

work for large orchestra,

harp, piano and percussion

instruments including a

piece of railway line struck

with xylophone mallets

• Piece aims to capture spirit,

excitement, romance and

grandeur of its journey

Musicology

• Mixed meters

• Dynamic rhythms often involving accented off-beats

• Tonal center rather than a key

• Dissonant chords of major or minor 2nd intervals

• Use of orchestral effects (glissandos and muted brass etc.) and numerous percussion instruments for colour

• Staccatissimo articulation

• Uses motives that serve as unifying devices.

Percussion 2 line

Rail line

Idea A

Simple triple time

In unison

Syncopation

Idea B

Three note motive that

gradually expands into

a jaunty melody heard

against a repeated note

rhythm

Idea C

Soaring melody that

contrasts with Idea B

Accompanying

staccato quavers

element of

programmatic music

Here’s how this idea

sounds modified in a

later recurrence

Idea D

Horns 1, 2, 3, 4 play

melody comprising only

two notes creating the

impression of distance

and open spaces

Another element of

programmatic music

Idea EDisjointed, angular motive involving triplets and

accompanied by stabbing brass chords

FOCUS QUESTIONS

Which instruments play the melody of Idea A?

Which instruments play the melody of Idea B?

What accompaniment is heard against this melody, what programmatic idea is suggested by this accompaniment?

How is the violin and viola accompaniment to Idea D performed?