In the following videos you will see the same sequence with 4 different types of music. This example demonstrates the importance and big influence of film music. The following music aspects should be considered: Tempo When a scene needs to be scored in a pretty dynamic and peppy way, music with a fast rhythm is needed. A typical example is an action scene. Very accurate productions adapt the editing to the rhythm of the music. In contrast, slower music is used to score romantic scenes. Here, the music is intended to create a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. For informative sequences, the music should be discreet and not a distracting element for the viewer.
A Lesson 5
Instruments and moods Every musical instrument has its own tonal quality. In addition, some instruments are associated with special locations, situations, motives or genres. Example: harmonica = western/ cowboy theme; bagpipe = Scotland; smoky saxophone = bar; flamenco guitar = Spain; accordion = nightlife in Paris. Depending on the scenic context, these musical clichés can either have an informative, humoristic, dramatic or ironic implication. Illustrating use of music The meaning of a picture can be underlined by music in many different ways. The mood technique emphasises the mood of a scene by the use of music. Example: Happy people: happy music, sad persons: sad music. Cartoons developed the so-called “Mickeymousing” technique: each single movement in a shot is scored with a tone. Chase music is typical for chases, as the name implies. It is a kind of jazz style; several soloists do an improvisation and alternate periodically – they have a musical “battle”, similar to the battle on the screen. The accentuated use of music – other than the Mickeymousing – only scores special moments or movements that are important for the action of the film.
LESSON MATERIALS Watch videos “Illustrating use of music” and “Contrasting use of music” at www.europeanweb.tv/program/tutorial 73