90 !!Chapter 6
below middle C, it cannot be played because the lowest note on a violin is
G below middle C. The part has to be rewritten.
Tempo helps to establish a mood.A change of merely two metronome
markings can transform the entire mood of a composition. Sometimes, for
technical reasons, the original tempo marking has to change. For instance,
the piece might not fit the newly edited film when played at the original
tempo. If the creatives do not want to change the film edit so that the origi-
nal tempo works with the film, play the music at a new tempo prior to the
recording session. Minute tempo changes may cause some of the creatives
to ask for adjustments.
Sound effects.Both musical and real sound effects can add an interest-
ing and unique sound to the music. Consider the sound effects a part of a
composition; otherwise, the effects can sometimes mask the music if the
music is not written to accommodate the effects. [Listen to track$7 on the
enclosed CD.]
Overbearing sound effects can be a problem for composers. Since film
composers do not create the effects, they sometimes do not get to hear
them until the film has been mixed. Loud effects can mask the music.
Unfortunately, this is the director’s choice, and a composer can only voice
an objection.
Modulation affects the mood of an arrangement.Modulating the key,
either up or down, can greatly enhance or detract from the feel of the
music. Many jingles contain a chorus that repeats twice. If the chorus mod-
ulates up a half step during the repeat, the audience experiences a feeling
of being musically ‘‘lifted’’ to a new musical home. If the music is upbeat,
modulating can cause excitement; if the music is a ballad, modulating can
create a more powerful feeling.
Vocalists singing syllables (vocalize) in place of words create a
unique sonority when used as a part of an orchestration.As in the scores
toStar WarsandSpider Man, large choruses are frequently used in film
scores. Used properly, the overall sound of the orchestration is enhanced.
(The use of choruses in commercials is rare because it is costly.)
Solo instruments can add interest and variety to a composition.The
score toSchindler’s List, composed by John Williams, features a solo violin,
performed by Itzhak Perlman. Composer Tan Dun featured solo cello,
played by Yo-Yo Ma, in the sound track toCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Unusual instruments create timbres that draw attention to the music.
For example, the Arabic ud (similar to a mandolin) or a nay (an Arabic
wooden flute that projects a beautiful expressive sound) will transport the
audience to a chosen locale.
Some dance music arrangers record looped tracks (repeated pat-
terns).During the mix, the tracks are muted and unmuted using automa-
tion, thereby creating an arrangement. This concept can be applied to
certain styles of music—mainly groove oriented.