"miss utah" Theme

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Published on June 19, 2013 6:00:49 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gac8PfaKCR4

Duration: 1:28

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I play a piano fantasy on the "miss utah" Theme!

Let's identify and examine the compositional techniques used in the "miss utah" theme! Please refer to the following video http://youtu.be/TlgqWeuhJj4 and sheet music http://www.videogamepianist.com/sheetmusic/miss_utah__theme.pdf !

The theme uses a repeating harmonic progression that is somewhat hypnotic. The chords are b minor i, f# m7 v6/5, GM bVI, and F#M V. The bass goes down by step and forms a tetrachord.

The melody has many ups and downs in its contour. It starts on f# and goes down to b and d, then goes up to d and f#, down to d, up to e, down to c# and a, up to d, and so on. With the melody having many ups and downs, the theme is similar to other quiz music.

For example, the Jeopardy Theme starts on G, then goes up to C, then goes down to G and C, up to G and C, and down to G, etc. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuABhumm6fY

One of the "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" themes starts on c, goes up to e-flat, goes down to d, goes up to e-flat, and then goes down to c. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqwh6bxJPe0
By the way, if one connects the notes on a staff as if connecting the dots, a letter "M" is formed. The "M" could stand for "millions" or "millionaire." Perhaps this theme is a musical crytograph.

The Miss Utah 2013 Viral Video theme is in b dorian. The dorian mode has a calming effect and promotes well-being.

Piano Master Class:

Play the melody sweetly, lightly, and flirtatiously. It could be played by a flute with harp accompaniment. Hear the descending bass line and hear the color of each chord. Try to improvise upon the bass line.

Technical challenges: playing notes evenly, playing the grace notes lightly, articulating each note.

Musical challenges: connecting the descending four harmonies as one line, finding various ways to approach the dominant chord, and understanding the principle of strong and week beats and measures.

Sheet music: http://www.videogamepianist.com/miss_utah_theme.pdf
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