Music in Film and Television

MusicMusic Functions

1) Physical2) Psychological3) Technical

MusicMusic Functions: Physical

Having to do with external environment or setting of the scene; supporting obvious visual action

Creation of a physical atmosphere or setting time of day, weather, climate, sea, mountains, open spaces, etc.Evocation of time period, style or evocation suggests an accurate time period.

Evocation of a culture in which a story takes place, such as ethnic flavor by use of associative instruments and modes appropriate to a specific culture.Underlining action-intensifies perception of physical movement

MusicMusic Functions: Physical (cont)

Underlining action-intensifies perception of physical movementMickeymousing- the music accents or even mimics what is happening on the screen, used for humorous intent

MusicMusic Functions: Psychological

Dealing with thoughts or feelings Creating psychological mood, fear, suspense,

joy, tranquility, etc. Rounding off the film- resolution or theatrical

build-up; not always big musically Underlining unspoken thoughts of a character-

providing more insight into a character’s unexpressed thoughts or feelings.

Revealing unseen implications of a situation- foreshadowing what will eventually happen

MusicMusic Functions: Psychological (cont)

Revealing psychological makeup of a character- reveals or suggests something that is not apparent “on the surface” about a person

Underlining expected reaction of the audience- confirms viewer understanding of the scene.

Deceiving audience as to what has actually happened- a conscious decision on the part of the director to “trick” the audience into perceiving the scene in an alternate way also known as “a red herring”

MusicMusic Functions: Psychological (cont)

Making a philosophical point- music influences viewers judgement of the situation (also widely used in propaganda films, commercials)

Setting up audience for subsequent surprise- going for the “shock value” as opposed to the music’s “telegraphing” what is about to happen.

MusicMusic Function: Technical

Aiding in the flow of the film Building continuity from scene to scene- To

help connect scenes that are related or even quite contrasting in content, helps smooth out the editing or scenes which contain lots of cuts.

Building overall continuity- association of previously stated themes helps the audience draw relationships among the characters and events in the film; gives the film a unified personality of its own.

MusicMusical Terms

Harmony- Pleasing combination of two or three tones played together in the background while a melody is being played. Harmony also refers to the study of chord progressions.

Chord-3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.

Interval- The distance in pitch between two notes

Key- Systems of notes or tones based on and named after the key note

MusicMusical Terms

Modulation- To shift to another key.

Major- The Major mode can be identified by the bright, happy mood.

Minor- The minor mode can be identified by the dark, melancholic mood.

Rhythm- The element of music pertaining to time, played as a grouping of notes into accented and unaccented notes.

MusicMusical Terms

Phrase- A single line of music played or sung. A musical sentence.

Theme (motif)- A reoccurring musical phrase that is usually associated with a character or emotion.

Tonic- The first tone of a scale also known as a keynote.

Consonance-Groups of Tones that are harmonious when sounded together as in a chord

MusicMusical Terms

Dissonance- Harsh, discordant, and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord

Measure- The unit of measure where the beats on the lines of the staff are divided up into 2, 3, 4 or more beats to a measure.

Drone- Dull, monotonous tone such as a humming or buzzing sound. Also a bass note held under a melody.

Glissando- Sliding between two notes.

MusicMusical Terms

Legato- Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played smoothly.

Staccato- Short detached notes as opposed to legato.

Ostinato- A Short Repeated phrase.

Tempo- Indicating speed.

Atonal- Music that lacks a tonal or key center.