Functional analysis for verse

Hi all, this is a re-analysis of the harmonic function of the verse, which can be divided into two phrases.

The harmonic function of the first phrase(Bars 15 to 18):

T – D – T – D – T - It seems like a tonic expansion.

The second phrase of the verse (Bars 19-22):

T - D - T - PD - D - T

The first group of T - D - T can be taken as a tonic expansion, hence becoming:
T - D - PD - T

Secret Library

This piece, “Secret Library”, is taken from the soundtrack of Final Fantasy 9. The original composer is Nobuo Uematsu.
I will be analyzing the piano arrangement of this song. In the game, the music doesn’t sound like that- It sort of stops after the main melody ends and loops itself, which is quite typical of video game music.

I feel what makes the piece so appealing is the use of a cleverly structured melody with an effective climax in the structure. Then there is also the use of chromatic notes and harmony throughout the piece. These devices contribute to the overall “final fantasy” flavor of the piece… if you know what I mean.. :)


Links:
http://www.ffdream.com/?cat=downld&rub=ostff9_piano
For the full score, mp3… and more.





This is the version which I’m analyzing.





A simpler rendition of the piece- similar to what is heard in the game.

The form here is somewhat like a Theme and Variation- there is a simple melody, and it is repeated a few times and each time something changes- the harmony, the accompaniment patterns, etc.

The verse first starts from Bar 15 to Bar 22 as 8-bar phrase. In Bar 29 -36, this verse is stated again, but now with more chord notes to make the texture denser. The accompaniment in the bass clef remains largely the same. There are some chromaticism and harmony changes. The melody then goes on to something like a chorus in Bars 37 to 45.

The first variation after that uses ostinato semiquavers to intersperse the melody. The accompaniment has also become more chordal.

In the second variation the accompaniment has changed to a triplets pattern, giving the melody more movement.

In the third variation, the melody and accompaniment now move in similar motion, in groups of triplets.

However, it is interesting to note that the chorus only appears twice- in the main theme and the first variation. The rest of the variations are only on the verse.

Secret Library Chord Progression and Functions

(Chord progressions have been indicated on the score)

The harmonic function of the first phrase of the verse:

T – D – T – PD – T – D – T – D – T

It can be simplified to the following:

(T – D – T) – (PD – T) – (D – T – D) – (T)

T – PD – D – T

The second phrase of the verse (Bars 15-22) also follows a similar simplified harmonic function and reflects the typical harmonic phrase model.When it comes to the chorus, this is the harmonic function of the first phrase:

D – T – PD – D – T

However, the Dominant function at the beginning of the phrase is actually an upbeat. So, if we were to take it away, we would still have the T – PD – D – T harmonic function.

The second phrase of the chorus (Bars 37 to 49) uses some substitutes, for example, IV is replaced with ii and V is replaced with iii, but overall the T – PD – D – T structure is still there.