Music on the Big Screen....

A movie is not complete without the music. I believe the music can either make or break the movie....it allows more emotions to be brought to life, fitting the mood of any given scene. Music in movies are called "film scores," not to be confused with the movie soundtrack. A film score is written by a composer of the director's choice, and s/he writes a specific piece, or pieces, for that movie. Film scores are instrumental, and did not start until the 1920s, when the films were silent, so a pianist would play the score live in the theatre. Once the composer has the film script, they then begin writing the score. Some composers still like to write sheet music (on paper), but in the 1950s, with excelling technology, most composer's began using a computer-based environment, and would work on the score there until the final orchestra recording. The orchestra records the music in front of a large screen portraying the movie, allowing the conductor, who is often the composer, to synchronize the music with the film.

On the playlist are some of the most famous film scores. Imagine "Jaws," which may be most well-known for it's music, without the music...the shark is about the attack, and the people don't have a clue. Add the music, and it creates a whole new level of suspense. Or "Indiana Jones," with it's exciting, staccato music, which increases the movie's adventure. And remember when you were watching "The Lion King" as a child, and Mufasa's ghost comes back to speak with Simba, saying, "Remember who you are. You are my son," and Simba runs after him begging him no to leave him again. I think I teared up when I watched it. Now picture that scene without the music....the emotion just would not have been the same. Here's a video of it, in case you've forgotten. :) If you really think about scenes in a specific movie, without the music, the mood shifts. Film scores add so much emotion to a film, and make for a great soundtrack!

Playlist: Songs 142-146