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?
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