String Loops Old and New

by David Doty

In a previous post we looked at Coldplay’s 2008 hit, Viva La Vida. The opening riff/loop of the strings both characterizes the song and provides momentum throughout. (Can you imagine what the song would sound like without it?)  If you haven’t heard the song, give it a listen on YouTube by clicking here, or download the MP3 here.

The rhythmic pattern of this loop/riff could be represented by the following series of rhythmic values:

And yet, the concept of using such a riff or loop in the strings is not new. Take the following series of rhythmic values (with articulations) for example. Can you guess which piece relies heavily upon this rhythmic pattern? Here’s a clue: the piece, or rather the movement in which this rhythmic pattern is taken, is featured in a recently released motion picture:

Dost thou protest, “Why, that could be anything!”? I’ll admit, the rhythmic pattern: long, short, short, long, long, is pretty generic.

The motion picture? The King’s Speech starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. The piece?

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Answer:

Symphony #7 in A, Op. 92 – 2 Allegretto by Ludwig Von Beethoven.  If you’re not familiar with this movement, you can download the MP3 here.

This movement has been used as background music in other motion pictures, such as Mr. Holland’s Opus. Can you think of any others? Feel free to leave a comment.