Thursday, May 9

The Power of Music

Have you ever noticed how music affects our emotions? I'm sure you have experienced this, especially if you've watched a movie. The music in the background intensifies the experience and manipulates your emotions to where the movie maker wants them to be.

Just think about it. You're watching a movie, and it's come to a crisis point. You know something drastic is going to happen soon, but you don't know when. As the tension builds, quick, repetitive notes are played by strings in the background, gradually increasing in speed. It gets on your nerves, setting you on edge in anticipating/dreading the moment when the tension ends. As the waiting wears on, kettle drums begin to roll slowly. Then all of a sudden, brass instruments blare and the enemy attacks ( or whatever is going to happen). Do you see how your tension was built up by the music? That same scene would not be nearly so powerful without it.

Take another example. Flute and harp music is playing in the background. The scene is a forest at night. The music is sweet and slow, conveying a peaceful sense. Suddenly there is a sharp crescendo and strings begin playing a minor chord quickly. (Translation: The music gets louder and starts to sound more dramatic than peaceful) The peaceful forest has been transformed into a forest filled with foreboding.

These are just some of the examples I can think of. Can you think of any more?

10 comments:

  1. First off, I want to tell you that you have been blessed with the talent of writing beautifully, dear Piano Bookworm! I could read your blog all day, if I had the time. Wonderful.... ♥

    Oh, and when I read this post I pondered your question for a while and then thought of the scene in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey", when Bilbo is in Bag End the morning after the unexpected party. He looks at the contract and then looks up, ...and the music is slightly building up ...and then.... he's out the door and running down the road, with perfectly fitting, adventurous music.

    Did that make sense and work as an answer to the question you asked? I hope it did.

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    1. Why, thank you for the compliment, Silent Reader! That scene is a great example. (I must admit, I was slightly thinking of The Hobbit myself when I decided to do this post =D )

      Thank you for commenting =D

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  2. Yeah... like The Hobbit... hehehehe

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    1. =D yep. haha everyone is thinking of The Hobbit today!

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    2. It's just so fantastic no one can help thinking about it, right? :D

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    3. Yes, it's awesomeness! ( I think, anyway )

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    4. Agreed!! Among the greatest films of all time! (Well, I think it is ☺ )

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  3. Oh my goodness, yes! I am movie score OBSESSED! OK, well that sounds pretty intense, but it's true. There is nothing like the emotional impact of aan orchestra

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