Film Music and Functions Flashcards
Why was music used in silent films?
Cover the sound of the projector; link between scenes; mask between dull passages and create the mood
What were early silent films accompanied by?
Live music usually as pianos and organs
Between 1906 and 1930, how many silent films were made in Australia?
250
What was the first “talkie” movie released in 1927?
The Jazz Singer
What are the four characteristics of film music?
Subservient to the visuals and dialogue; guide emotional response; set a time and place; create continuity and fill space.
What is a “cue sheet” ?
A playlist of popular pieces that should accompany the film, prepared by the motion picture’s composer.
How can music enhance a film?
Create atmosphere; set a time and place; convey character qualities; express emotions; foreshadow events; build suspense; suit the storyline.
What is realistic music?
Music that must have been composed before the film’s production. (e.g. musical or opera)
What is another name for realistic music?
Diegetic
What is functional music?
Music that is composed or arranged after the film. Also is used to emphasise emotion, mood or action.
What is another name for functional music?
Non-diegetic
Name qualities associated with mood, “mystery”
Flute in low register; use of string tremolo; contrabassoons in low register, French horns, bass clarinet in low register
Name qualities associated with mood, “humorous”
Bassoon in a high or low register, oboe in middle register, clarinet, bass clarinet in low register
Name qualities associated with mood, “childish”
Metal percussion in high register, strings in middle register, Celeste, piccolo
Name qualities associated with mood, “science fiction”
Synthesizers or organ, female soprano voice, vibraphone for hazy effects, string harmonics, flute in high register and percussion effects
