Evolution of Film Soundtracks: From Silent Era to Modern Scores
The Evolution of Film Soundtracks
How was music chosen for silent films? Music was selected based on the scene’s mood (e.g., love, joy). Pianists played live, adapting to the action. Sound effects were also used.
What were two technical challenges in the 1930s? Synchronizing image and music, and balancing music volume with dialogue.
Name four important composers of the 1940s. Max Steiner, Miklos Rozsa, Alfred Newman, Franz Waxman.
Which musicians introduced new styles in the 1950s? Bernard Herrmann,
Read MoreNationalism, Impressionism, and 20th-Century Music Currents
Musical Nationalism
Musical nationalism: composers conveyed, through folkloric compositions, the folk tales and traditions of their countries, asserting freedom and pride against attempts at domination.
Nationalism in music: countries, influenced by the musical styles of France, Italy, and Germany, became aware of their own values and sought liberation from these influences. This led to the incorporation of new instruments and extensive musicological research.
Spanish Composers
Manuel de Falla: A Spanish
Read MoreRenaissance Sacred Music: Palestrina and the Lutheran Chorale
Palestrina: A Master of Renaissance Sacred Music
Among the composers of religious music from the time of the Council of Trent is Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. His music has been traditionally revered and considered the pinnacle of 16th-century polyphony. He adopted the name of the place where he was born, Palestrina, a small town near Rome, and his whole life was dedicated to serving the most important churches in the city: Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano, and San Pietro. With
Read MoreJazz, Traditional Music, Voice, and Melody: A Musical Exploration
Jazz Origins and Characteristics
Jazz, born in the early twentieth century in the United States, is based on improvisation and unwritten musical forms. Musicians create in the moment, joining notes. A dotted note adds half its value. Syncopation emphasizes rhythmically weak parts of a measure. Pop and rock are derived from jazz and use syncopated rhythms. The sound is typically provided by drums, electric bass, rhythm guitar, and a soloist.
Anacrusis and Traditional Music
An anacrusis occurs when music
Read MoreBaroque Literature: Cultism, Conceptism, and Key Figures
Baroque Literature: Cultism and Conceptism
The Baroque was an artistic and literary movement that developed in the 17th century, originating in Italy and spreading throughout Europe. It was characterized by elaborate ornamentation, dramatic contrasts, and a focus on emotional expression.
Baroque Literary Styles
- Cultism: Characterized by elaborate language, cultured vocabulary, and the use of hyperbole. It emphasized the *how to say* things. Cultism was heavily influenced by the Spanish poet Luis de
Anglo-Saxon England Literature and Medieval Works
Anglo-Saxon England (5th-11th)
The literature of this era was created for oral transmission. Oral composition, with texts written down five centuries later. Folk literature included work songs, sung by slaves and soldiers.
Charms (5th-9th)
Gadmund’s poem was created after the Saxon invasion of England, following the Roman Catholic retreat. Gadmun is a name of pagan origin. The poem aimed to curse bad people and was used to recover stolen goods.
- No rhyme at the end of the line.
- Repetitions.
- Periphrasis