Film scoring has become an art form in its own right. And more and more music lovers are flocking to concerts featuring setlists celebrating soundtracks. Audiences still hum the music days after watching a great film. It’s almost impossible not to! For instance, the romantic music in Titanic is sacred to fans of James Cameron’s hit because it allows them to relive every scene.
When I’m writing film music, I feel like I’m more a filmmaker than a composer. – Jóhann Jóhannsson
The Candlelight series pays tribute to all music genres, including film scores and soundtracks. Discover upcoming concerts here.
Dramatic Effect
John Williams knew what he was doing when he composed the music for a film about a killer shark. Williams certainly appreciated the principle that sometimes “less is more.” Just two notes warn the viewer that something terrifying is approaching. And it’s once the climactic “dunnnn” is heard that the full power of the famous Jaws score kicks in.
Not to be underestimated, the function of music in film is more often than not for dramatic effect.
Character Emotion
When a character is angry, sad, scared, or ecstatically happy, words are rarely needed to convey these emotions. Instead, the movie scores manage to encapsulate every feeling.
The Captain and Maria’s desire is palpable as they dance the Laendler in The Sound of Music. And Chris may be fighting back the tears in The Pursuit of Happyness, but Andrea Guerra’s score manages to sum up the enormity of his success.
A Fun Film Score Fact
Leitmotif is a technique that involves assigning certain instruments or musical themes to specific characters or moments. An example of this can be heard in Max Steiner’s score for King Kong (1933).
The Candlelight series offers soundtrack concerts that celebrate the best of film music. Find the perfect music to soundtrack your evening while sitting surrounded by countless flickering candles at a unique venue. A concert showcasing the beauty of film music in a breathtaking setting makes for a memorable live music experience in London.