An American in Paris: George Gershwin - Classwork

1) In bar 1 we are presented with the 'first walking theme' - what musical elements help to give this theme a 'march' like character?

• Steady rhythm and the time signature of 2/4. 

• Articulating the pulse.

• Use of acciacatura gives it the 'march' like character. 

2) Comment in the French Horn in bar 10.

• The French Horns have a monophonic texture as they're playing exactly the same rhythm and notes in unison, and at the same dynamic (f). The French Horns are imitating what we have heard before. 

3) How long is this theme (before repetition) - and comment on the cadence.

• The 'first walking theme' is 11 bars long.

• There is a textural and rhythmic cadence. In bar 10, the dynamics are forte, which helps build up to the climax in bar 11. Also, the 1st & 2nd flute, piccolo and 1st & 2nd oboe play a sextuplet rhythm which is rhythmically exciting, and ascending chromatically. It also signifies the end of this theme. 

4) What happens at bar 12 (onwards) - how is it similar/different to what we have done before? 

• Bar 12 onwards is a modified repetition of bars 1-11. For example, the English Horn is playing a slightly different version of what the oboe was playing in bars 1-7. 

5) Could you give a label to bar 24-27? Where has this material come from?

• I would label bars 24-27 as a link. 

6) We are introduced to a new idea at bar 28. What description would you give to it? Comment on the two most striking features of this new idea.

• I would describe this new idea as the 'taxi-cab theme'. The two most striking features of this idea is the use of the Parisian taxi horn, and the 

7) What rhythmical effect do we hear at 32-35?

• There is the use of syncopation by the French Horns, Violins, Viola, Cello and Bass. 

8) How is bar 36 (onwards) different to what we heave heard before? (Extend this thought into bar 44 onwards)

• The feeling of the piece has changed from being upbeat and cheery to being quite bluesy and the note lengths are now longer. For example, there has been a change in the playing technique of the cello. In bars 32-35, the Cello was playing pizzicato, but is now playing arco. Although, there is still the use of the Parisian taxi horns which tells the listener that the character is still walking through the streets of Paris. 

9) How are the musical elements treated at bar 60 to give the impressions of an 'increase in traffic'?

• I think that the tempo marking of 'Vivo' helps to give the impression of an 'increase in traffic' as it means lively, signifying that there is a lot going on. Also, a use of syncopation shows busyness.