1. Spanish Theme in An American in Paris By Ankit Madhira and Maddy McHugh

2. Musical Style and Context They style resembles old Spanish folk tunes They style resembles old Spanish folk tunes Gershwin uses the use of the first and second trombone to carry the theme which is unusual as the trombones do not often play the melody in a main theme. Gershwin uses the use of the first and second trombone to carry the theme which is unusual as the trombones do not often play the melody in a main theme. An American in Paris was composed in 1928, right before the Great Depression. An American in Paris was composed in 1928, right before the Great Depression. The Spanish theme represented the music of the south since it wasn’t as heavily influenced by jazz. The Spanish theme represented the music of the south since it wasn’t as heavily influenced by jazz.

3. Description In the beginning of the theme there is syncopation in measure 98. In the beginning of the theme there is syncopation in measure 98. The theme is in the key F# major. The theme is in the key F# major. There is a presence of call and response between the trombones and the flutes (first and second). There is a presence of call and response between the trombones and the flutes (first and second). The theme is introduced directly after A1 and transitions back into A1 after A3 is finished at measure 106. The theme is introduced directly after A1 and transitions back into A1 after A3 is finished at measure 106.

4. Rhythmic/Melodic Variation The theme starts out forte for the first four measures then the theme fades out and transitions back into the walking theme. The theme starts out forte for the first four measures then the theme fades out and transitions back into the walking theme. The syncopation keeps theme interesting as it is not commonly used in this piece. The syncopation keeps theme interesting as it is not commonly used in this piece. The A3 theme is only represented between measures 98 through 105 so there is not much variation of the theme. The A3 theme is only represented between measures 98 through 105 so there is not much variation of the theme.1:20-1:45

5. Analysis of Theme By using the trombones to carry the theme, Gershwin was trying to recreate the sound of a Spanish Brass Band. By using the trombones to carry the theme, Gershwin was trying to recreate the sound of a Spanish Brass Band. The shortness of this theme is representative of how time is always changing and the fast pace lives of the people in Paris. The shortness of this theme is representative of how time is always changing and the fast pace lives of the people in Paris. The call and response between the trombones and the flutes is a representation of the people and their ongoing conversation in the bustling city. The call and response between the trombones and the flutes is a representation of the people and their ongoing conversation in the bustling city.