38 !!Chapter 3
mercial. Besides creating authenticity, the most challenging part of the
assignment was writing the transitions from the native-sounding sections
to the jazz sections. Many hours were spent experimenting with various
solutions.
The music used for one of the Polish commercials was a very popular
song in Poland. Because most of the audience would recognize the compo-
sition, the creative executive in charge had the composer work with the
arranger prior to recording. This helped to ensure that the musical inter-
pretation would be accurate. Although this approach could have been
uncomfortable, the composer was a knowledgeable musician and coopera-
tive, making for a pleasant collaboration.
Budget restrictions have been a problem throughout music history.
The string quartet developed as a result of budget restrictions. Symphon-
ies performed in the late 1700s and 1800s could not always be performed
with multiple string players on each part. Therefore, each part was often
restricted to one player—thus the evolution of the trio or quartet or some-
times a quintet. Some of the smaller churches could not afford to pay more
than one performer; sometimes the number of musicians was limited by
choice (H. C. Robbins Landon, editor,The Mozart Compendium,Borders
Press, 82).
It is conceivable to be asked to compose and arrange music in fifties,
hip-hop, Latin, pop, and classical styles in one week. No matter how
diverse, the creatives will expect the tracks to sound authentic. It is sur-
prising how many commercials do not contain music that captures the
essence of the intended style.
The more varied a composer’s ability to write in various genres, the
better his or her chance of receiving numerous assignments.
Common Mistakes
Many composers and arrangers write for instruments they are unfamiliar
with. When this occurs, the sound will not be authentic, and the part will
sound contrived. In writing music for commercials and film, ethnic instru-
ments are sometimes used to achieve a unique feeling or ambience.
Become familiar with the native sounds, nuances (playing style), and tech-
nical and musical limitations of instruments before writing for them. [Lis-
ten to tracks$2–6 on the enclosed CD.]
Ethnomusicologyis the study of musical sounds and performance styles
of various cultures throughout the world. George Harrison, a member of
the Beatles, did more to promote the synthesis of ethnic instruments in
traditional pop music than any other musician. He studied the sitar (a gui-
tar-like Indian instrument) with the world-renowned Indian classical sitar
performer Ravi Shankar. He then proceeded to use the sitar on albums
Rubber Soul,Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and several others. This