Music for the Moving Image Use of music

Music for the Moving Image Use of music in TV and Film 12/7/2020 Music technology A 2 1

Introduction n 12/7/2020 The Development of music for film Sound synchronisation and function Function of music for the moving images Music technology A 2 2

The development of music for film n n n 12/7/2020 Earliest cinema Lumiere brothers 1895 noisy projectors. Pianist or small band Moved to music hall orchestra provided mood (romantic for love scene) Reached greatness 1915 orchestra behind screen sound effects or pipe organs + percussion 1927 Jazz singer Al Jolson first ” talky” Live performances dwindled composers drafted in to write. Music technology A 2 3

The development of music for film n n n 12/7/2020 Well established Walton Prokofiev, Copeland, Korngold Rhespigi. Gradually specialised Max Steiner first 1933 King kong, gone with the wind 1939 Bernard Herrmann developed the art Citizen Kane 1941 Psycho 1960 Music technology A 2 4

The development of music for film n n n 12/7/2020 Pop music industry met film music 1950’s High Noon “Do not forsake me oh my darlin’” Producers now wanted marketable songs and music Many written John Barry’s James Bond theme etc. During 70’s orchestral scores popular again Spielberg and John Williams collaboration with “Jaws” Music technology A 2 5

The development of music for film n n 12/7/2020 Then more prominent with “Star Wars” 1977 E. T. 1982 Raiders of the Lost Ark 1981, Jurassic Park 1993 etc. More recent composers such as James Horner (Titanic) Michael Kamen (Robin Hood) Danny Elfman (batman /Spiderman) Music technology A 2 6

Sound Synchronisation and Reproduction n n 12/7/2020 Amplifier /loudspeakers in 1927 developing Problem with Synchronisation Early attempts pulleys linked to gramophones Most successful Optical sound track stored on film itself Music technology A 2 7

Sound Synchronisation and Reproduction n n n n 12/7/2020 Standard time code in the industry SMPTE Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineer or “Simpty” Represents frame numbers Similar for Video With sequencers MTC MIDI Time Code Quality of sound gradually Better “Surround” sound now in the home. Music technology A 2 8

Functions of music for the moving image n n n n 12/7/2020 To Reinforce mood and emotion To provide information about the plot Reinforce gesture within images To act as a glue to cover edits within images To provide conflicting information to the images To suggest a sense of acoustic space To add a sense of history To act as a motif for special characters. Music technology A 2 9

Compositional Techniques for music for the moving image n n n n 12/7/2020 Composing Music of a specific time length Developing a theme and variations An ability to work with pastiche styles Orchestration and arranging skills Composing music that is synchronous with the images Composing Underscore that does not interfere with the dialogue Composing motifs and musical gesture Music technology A 2 10

• 1 The Commercial Composing Process n n 12/7/2020 The composer is selected by the producer and director Given background information about film and copy of scripts Attend “spotting session” with director to highlight where music is required Composer uses rough cut “off line” edit to begin composing Music technology A 2 11

• 2 The Commercial Composing Process n n n 12/7/2020 Composer produces music which is sent to director for approval. Often a MIDI demo version Composer completes score Orchestration and preparation of instrumental parts Often undertaken by team of musicians to meet tight deadlines. Music technology A 2 12

The Commercial Composing Process n n 12/7/2020 Music recorded with orchestra or ensemble Music added to pictures, sound effects and dialogue tracks at the post production stage. The composer may attend to ensure the music is placed appropriately balanced with other sound elements Completed film released Music technology A 2 13

Approach to your brief n n n n n 12/7/2020 Issue brief A whole class discussion Watch examples of similar briefs Prepare an individual response outline of approach Class discussion sharing ideas prepare composing timetable setting goals for completion of key aspects Begin composing Support by individual tutorials Composing log to be used daily Music technology A 2 14