The Role of Music in Film, Television, Video Games, and Advertising
Music in Film
Classical Music in Film
Directors often utilize existing classical pieces in their films instead of commissioning original scores. Sometimes, films recreate the lives of classical musicians or performers, where the music plays a crucial diegetic role.
Music in Television
Music serves two primary functions on television:
- Structural Element: Music introduces and separates television segments, marking the beginning or end of program sections.
- Ambience: Music sets the mood and predisposes the viewer in various programs.
While many programs focus on popular music (music videos, performances, etc.), some dedicate studio space to classical music.
Music in Advertising
Music is essential in television and radio advertising, complementing the visuals and spoken or written message. There are two main types of music used:
- Borrowed Music: Existing works of different styles are associated with the advertised product.
- Jingle: A short, original, and repeated musical slogan associated with the advertised product.
Music in Video Clips (1970s)
These short films promote music sales and have distinct characteristics:
- Dynamic Visual Rhythm: Constant changes in shots and sequences match the musical rhythm.
- Visual Effects: Slow motion, fast motion, and image distortion are frequently used.
- Flashy Staging: Attention-grabbing visuals are employed.
- Evocative Imagery: The content features images related to the song’s lyrics and music.
Music in Video Games
From simple beeps to high-quality electronically generated tones, video game music has evolved significantly. It is characterized by its synchronization with the visuals and its looping or cyclical structure.
Musical Texture
Musical texture describes the organization of voices in a piece:
- Monodic Texture: The simplest form, with a single melody that can be sung by multiple voices.
- Polyphonic Texture: Several different melodic lines sound simultaneously. Subcategories include:
- Counterpoint: Multiple melodies of equal importance develop simultaneously.
- Homophony: All voices share the same rhythmic figuration, creating block chords.
- Melody and Accompaniment: A main melody is supported by a subordinate accompaniment.
- Heterophony: A melody is played simultaneously in different ways.
Textures can be dense (many voices) or light (few voices).
Music in Film (Detailed)
Origins of Music in Film
Two theories explain the origin of music in film:
- To mask projector noise.
- To humanize silent film images.
Types of Music in Film
- Diegetic Music: Music that is part of the film’s narrative and heard by the characters.
- Extradiegetic/Background Music: Music heard only by the audience, not the characters.
Formal Discontinuity and Leitmotifs
Film music often appears in short blocks, creating a complete soundtrack. Leitmotifs, recurring musical themes associated with a character, object, or place, are commonly used.
Functions of Music in Film
- Character Description: Music provides insights into characters’ psychological states and actions.
- Emotional Transmission: Music influences the viewer’s perception of a scene.
- Movement Description: Music describes character movement (especially in animation).
- Time and Space Location: Music sets the scene’s time and place.
- Structural Function: Music contributes to the film’s structure, which is built in layers and sequences.
History of Film Music
- Silent Films (1895-1927): Live music accompanied films.
- 1927:“Talkie” emerged.
- 1930s-1950s: Post-Romantic symphonic style dominated Hollywood.
- 1960s-1970s: Rock, pop, and jazz were incorporated.
- 1970s-1980s: Electronic music gained popularity.
- Late 1970s: Symphonic style saw a resurgence.
- Contemporary Cinema: Diverse musical styles coexist, including symphonic, popular, and minimalist.
The Musical Film
With the arrival of talkies in 1927, musical films featuring singing and dancing emerged, alternating musical numbers with dialogue.