Fig 1 Fig 2
Don't Cry for Me Argentina
Harmonic Analysis
The typical harmonic phrase model of T - PD - D - T can be observed in this short excerpt. This can be seen from bars 1-7, as shown above in the score. The harmony from bars 1-7 is analyzed as follows:
I - Ib - I - Ib - IVc - IV - IVc - IV - Vb - Vc - V7 - I
T --------------------- PD -------------- D ------------- T
This is the typical harmonic phrase that we have seen in class.
Following this, from bars 8-15, we get to hear the use of a tonic substitute (i.e. vi) in bars 9 and 10, which forms an interrupted cadence. This then brings us to a rather elaborate expansion of the dominant, in the form of tonicizations over bars 11-15, as shown below:
I - Ic - Vb - V - vi - V/V - V7d/V - Vb - V - Vc/V - Vb - V
T D ----------- (T) - D -------------------------------------------
From bar 16-23, we basically see a T - D - (T) - T harmonic phrase, without the PD to prepare the D. The progression is as follows:
I - V - vi - vic - Ib - I - IV
T D (T) ------ T ----------
For the above progression, I interpreted the chord IV as an elaboration of the tonic, and is used as a 'fake tonic/ ending'. This could be used to bring out the deception and lies that are depicted in the story (Evita) from where this song is extracted. It creates a feeling of dissonance (not in the music theory sense), more like a 'it's the end but something's not quite right' feel, which is really interesting.
Phrase Analysis
The phrase analysis will be presented in the score above. I hope that would be of some help. The phrase structures exhibits the use of both sentences and periods. At the same time, they exemplifies the tiered relationships that we have learnt in the first class.
Okay, that's it. Please feel free to comment!
Acknowledgements
Published by Music Plaza Pte Ltd, 1997
Title: Don't Cry for Me Argentina
Track from the movie "Evita"
Performed by Madonna
Composed by Tim Rice/ Andrew Lloyd Webber
Arranged by Jennifer Guai
OP: MCA Music Ltd
SP: EMI Music Publishing Singapore (A div of EMI Group Singapore PTE LTD)
Images were extracted from p.13-14 from the book ' Top of the Charts, Vol. 5' for this online assignment.