The Music of the Movies

So much has changed over the past 100 years as technology and people's need for escape have driven the entertainment industry.  Once upon a time, music was not nearly as accessible as it is today.  Large scale productions took the form of opera and symphony, and the introduction of the piano was considered a major advancement since it allowed for music to be heard in the home.  Of course, opera and symphony continue to be popular musical genres, however the movies are really the playground for the new musical geniuses of our generation.

While Mozart, Brahms and Beethoven may be household names to this day, the cinematic composer hasn't yet reached immortality.  But such names as John Williams, Ennio Marricone, Max Steiner and Elmer Bernstein are considered to be in the top 100 film composers of all times.   

A film score is the background music of a film (which is generally categorically separated from songs used within a film). The term soundtrack may be confused with film score. A soundtrack, however, contains everything audible in the film including sound effects and dialogue. Soundtrack albums may also include songs featured in the film as well as previously released music by other artists. A score is written specifically to accompany a film, by the original film's composer(s).  Many soundtracks, as we all know, contain music that never appeared in the motion picture, except perhaps as the credits are rolling.

ARCS' 2010-11 Season will explore the wonderful world of movie music -- from "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" to "Star Wars" -- and the stage is set for a fantastic voyage.  Fortunately, excellent arrangements are available for choir and we've chosen the best of the best.  "Hooray for Hollywood" -- our theme for the season -- opens this September.  Don't miss it!