lecture 11 Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is “Ensembles for Synthesizer”? Who composed it? When? How long did it take?
A music piece completely “realized” by synthesizer. Milton Babbit. 1964. 2 years
Forbidden Planet released? Composer? Significance?
- Louis and Bebe Barron, computer experts. Music “realized” by synthesizer.
How big were synthesizers originally? Could anyone own one?
50’s size of entire rooms. Only universities and big studios had them.
Who produced the first commercially available modular synthesizer? When?
Bob Moog. 1964
Switched on Bach released? Producer? Significance?
- Wendy Carlos. Used the MOOG and popularized the synthesizer in popular culture
Films scored by Wendy Carlos? (3)
- A clockwork orange (1971)
- The shining (1980)
- Tron (1982)
The Exorcist released? Composer? Significance?
- Main theme from album “Tubular Bells” composed by Mike Oldfield. Lalo Schifrin actually composed for the film using synth.
Sorcerer released? Composer? Significance?
- Tangerine Dream. Used synth
Halloween released? Composer? Director? Significance?
- John Carpenter. John Carpenter (yeah). Synth
Vangelis birth? What kind of stuff did he do?
- Used synth entirely and did music videos like Chariots of Fire. Marketed himself as pop musician
Vangelis notable films?
Chariots of Fire (1981)
Blade Runner (1982)
MIDI? When? Significance?
- Music Instrument Digital Interface: When combined with a PC (or personal computer)
it was now far easier for a single musician to
produce long, complex works (such as a film
score) without the need for expensive recording
studios.
Cheaper synths paired with MIDI allows composers with little technical training to make music like orchestras
Danny Elfman birth? Influences? Training?
1953 USA
Bernard Herrmann and The Day the Earth Stood Still.
No training. Hated music (and apparently sucked at it in public school).
Taught himself guitar, piano, violin, and more
Pee Wee’s Big Adventure released? Composer? Director?
- Danny Elfman. Tim Burton
Oingo Boingo? Steve Bartek?
New wave band. Director Tim Burton was a fan (Danny was still low-key at this point). Asked Danny Elfman to compose for Pee Wee’s Big Adventure
Steve Bartek was a member that helped write down the stuff Danny Elfman composed (since Danny had no formal training)
Characteristics of Danny Elfman
- Frantic / Carnivalesque (child-like in a nightmarish way)
- Frequent use of 3/4 time (waltz rhythm) and 2/4 (polka rhythm)
- Frequent use of glockenspiel/celeste, low woodwinds, harp glissandi, and wordless choir
- Hitting the action – to the point of “Mickey Mousing
Beetlejuice released? Composer? Director?
- Danny Elfman. Tim Burton
Describe the scene in Beetlejuice seen in class
- Violin – blend of demonic and country and western
- The organ – death / the afterlife
- Quick changes and tight coordination
- Polka and merry-go-round – surreal / childlike
- Micky Mousing
Edward Scissorhands released? Composer? Director?
- Danny Elfman. Tim Burton
Describe the scene where the Avon Lady looks towards the Spooky house in Edward Scissorhands
- Change in music when the dark house is seen
- Wordless choir
- Sense of threat almost like a warning
- Once she enters the driveway harps play waltz
like music - Influences from The Nutcracker music (coming to life from nothing themes)
Describe the scene where the he cuts the dogs hair in Edward Scissorhands
- Music is absent creating a tense atmosphere
- Frantic situation turns into Edward cutting
Joyce’s hair
– Tango
