2020 IB Extended Essays

yet rhythmically complex jazz beat of 4/4 with hints at the harmonic structure in Verse 1of Collier is clearly different from the short, metrically stable, harmonically unambiguous transition of the Carpenter’s version. Collier’s piece could be considered to have a greater emotional pull due to its more diverse use of musical elements. As both pieces progress, various instrumental layers are added to respective their interpretations. The Carpenters add a string pad accompaniment as well as bass and a simple rock beat with cymbal and snare back beat. The strings provide word painting to help communicate the message of the song, descending motive on lyrics why do stars fall down from the sky as well as providing a long note counter melody. Collier’s soft accompaniment and light drumming, which matches the stylistic elements of the cool jazz feel to the song. The bass part becomes even more rhythmically complex, almost pushing the style (although not from a tempo perspective) into the virtuosic, short note characteristics of bebop. Both pieces stay true to diversifying their musical elements in the repetition of the A section of the verse for added interest.

The melodic contour of the B section ascends step wise to build to the climax of the piece. The chord progression of the original version is C – Bm 7 – E 9 – E 7 back to C (Cadd 9 – C – Cmaj 7 – C 6 – this moving part creates an inner part melodic interest against the repeated note in the melodic line whilst also building harmonic tension

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