The main theme from Cast Away is one of the most beautifully
written music by Alan Silvestri.
The film does not have very much score which is an
interesting choice by the director Zemecki. There is some music which can be
heard at the beginning of the film but there were only nature or animal sounds
during the character`s isolation on the island. That’s why it has a more
dramatic effect to the escape scene as this is the first time when the main
theme can be heard. The piece is sensitive and smooth, and it well reflects and
amplifies what is going on with the character and his feelings. The composer
uses string instruments with an oboe solo at the beginning. The long notes, the
harmony and the slow tempo are very serene and beautiful.
The theme music represents the emotional journey of
the character Chuck (Tom Hanks) throughout the movie. First, when he escapes
from the island. The lots of negative feelings which built up during the five
years (the time he spent on the island) turn into a big relief as now there is
a hope for getting home. Then we hear it when Chuck loses Wilson in the Ocean.
Although Wilson is a volleyball, it became the best friend for Chuck as there
is no other human beings to interact with. The desperation in Tom Hanks voice
is heart breaking which is strengthened by the music. The next two scenes where
this piece can be heard is also packed with deep feelings and a hard decision
as Chuck realised that he must let his love go and continue his fight to find
his path. The music well represents these deep emotions. The last time the main
theme appears is another crucial scene where Chuck arrives to a crossroads and
he decides which path to choose.
Music of the indigenous people of the Western Hemisphere. It contains hundreds of native communities, each with its own distinctive history, language and musical culture.
Native Americans trace the ultimate origin of their traditional music to the time of creation, when specific songs or musical repertoires were given to the first people by the creator and by spirit beings in the mythic past. New music received in a variety of ways for example through dreams or visions or from their neighbors. In every case, the music is a gift that comes from beyond the individual or community.
Music has intrinsic value to individuals, ensembles and communities. The performance right are granted according to principles established by the group through long practices. Traditional music plays an important role in perpetuating Native American languages, some of which are no longer spoken in daily life. American Indian song texts constitute a genre of poetry in terms of structure, style and expression. Song texts usually refer to local flora and fauna, specific features of the landscape, natural resources such as water or aspects of the community.
Each Native American group has distinctive musical styles and genres. There are certain musical similarities that exist between those who are roughly neighbors. However, musical boundaries continually shift and change as people from different cultures exchange musical ideas, repertoires and instruments.
Each region uses characteristic musical instruments, which are made from materials readily available in the natural environment. Many musical instruments carry symbolic significance which appears in the ways instruments are used, decorated, named or handled before and after use. For example Anishnate water drums comes in two sizes, called “grandfather” and “little boy”. Decorations often have spiritual significance or refer to sacred narratives, so they require respectful treatment. There are five categories for the instruments which are based on how they produce sounds and their physical description.
Idiophones
This is the largest category of musical instruments in Native American music. They produce musical sound by vibrating when the body of the instrument itself is struck, stamped, shaken, scraped, rubbed or plucked. It appear in many shapes and sizes and are made of diverse materials.
Membranophones
They are instruments that have a skin or membrane stretched over a frame. Example single-headed drums, double-headed drums and kettledrums.
Aerophones
It requires an air stream to produce sound. They can be whirled through the air (bull-roarer) or blown into by a player (flutes, whistles, reed instruments and horns).
Chordophones
They have one or more stretchable strings attached to a frame or sound box. Sound is produced by plucking, rubbing, striking or bowing the string.
Electrophones
It is characterized as electric and electronic instruments.
Artists
Carlos Nakai – Earth Spirit
Joanne Shenandoah – Path of Beauty
Every composer is different and each have their own inspiration. These two pieces can be an inspiration with their beautiful and smooth melodies and their connection to the spiritual world.
Throughout my years I studied and listened to many type of songs. I also had an opportunity to work with different kind of musicians. This experience gave me an opportunity to gain knowledge and opinion about the genres but still stay open minded.
Pop and classical music are two different genres. The structure of the music and the lyrics is more simple for a pop song than classical. There are more instruments used in classical works which gives a richer and more complex content.
For me good music depends from its properties and how it effects on my current mood.
This piece was written for an orchestra. The music instantly has an effect on my imagination and brings me into a mysterious place, a long lost castle where I am alone and as I am discovering the rooms one by one and I do not know what is waiting for me in the dark.
John Adams: Hallelujah Junction – 1st Movement
This piece reminds me of the jazz style only with two piano. It is really uplifting and gives a good mood.
Thomas Adés: Arcadiana
I can clearly hear the classical music influence in this music. It is more simple and it has beautiful clear harmonies.
Contemporary music is based on classical music but it is elevated onto a different level. The effect of the music can vary from relaxing and calm into an excitement and mystery. It has a great influence to the imagination.
Country
Garth Brooks: The Dance
This music reminds me of pop. It is really easy to listen to.
Johnny Cash: Hurt
Sometimes when I am listening to music, I found that I am concentrating on one of the aspects of the piece, music or lyrics. Here both are important as this song has a deep meaning.
This genre reminds me more of pop music. Mostly easy to listen and relaxing except songs that has deeper effects.
Jazz
Miles Davis: Milestones
This music is full of energy which is created by the runs. Because of the limitless use of instruments and the improvisation that each musician brings into the songs it gives uniqueness to this piece.
Benny Goodman: Sing, sing, sing
Really uplifting piece. As I was listening to this music I instantly want to get up and dance.
John Coltrane: Sentimental Mood
This is a more calming and relaxing piece with full of slow motions.
Jazz is a unique genre as the music broke all the limits and lets performers bring their creativity and own style to each song. The music can create a relaxing mood or it can give energy and makes you jump up from your feet.
Music became part of my life at a very early age. My first pieces I learned were of course children songs and traditional pieces. As I grow up I was introduced to different genres so my taste for music was widened.
Classical music
The Best of Classical Music 🎻 Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Vivaldi 🎹 Most Famous Classic Pieces (The Best of Classical Music 🎻 Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Vivaldi 🎹 Most Famous Classic Pieces, 2015)
This genre is one of my favorites. I was always fascinated how could composers create such complex pieces considering the limitations that they had. Classical music has a unique properties which makes it suitable for using it to therapeutic purposes. Classical music (opera or instrumental) always have an impact on my emotions. Depending from the piece it makes me happy, sad, relaxed etc.
Dance music
David Guetta – Turn Me On ft. Nicki Minaj (Official Video) (Guetta, 2012)
The first time I heard dance music when I was a teenager and I was getting ready to go out with my friends to the night club. I found dance music uplifting and gives energy.
Early music
The King’s Singers – Din Dirin Din (Singers, 2011)
Early music for me is similar than classical music and it has a similar effect on me. The pieces are packed with beautiful harmonies and the best way to listen to early music is with original instruments and within a church setting.
Folk music
Csongrádi népdalok – Hej, halászok, halászok (Folk songs of Csongrád – Hey, fishermen, fishermen) (Ének és Zenekara, 2016)
Folk music is a unique genre as it is different in every country. For me every type of traditional music has its own beauty. This genre was the first I was introduced to. My two favorite are Bartok and Kodaly. Later I learned more as I became a member of a Hungarian traditional dance group and went to different traditional music festivals as a dancer and singer. I also experienced Irish traditional music when I was visiting different parts of Ireland and sang an Irish traditional song on a competition with a choir. I love its melodic world as it is so colorful and beautiful.
Musical theater
A zene az kell… (Music is a must) (Des and Nemes, 2012)
I studied and sang a lot of musical pieces while I was living in Budapest and took part in a musical – operetta group. I found really engaging the combination of music and its settings. This genre also requires acting which makes musical enjoyable and it is easy to engage the audience.
Pop
P!nk – Walk Me Home (Official Video) (P!nk – Walk Me Home (Official Video), 2019)
Pop songs is a type of genre which cannot be avoided as it can be heard everywhere, such us public transport, shopping center, restaurant, shops etc. Personally pop songs are very simple for me and does not require too much musical ability. The effect of a pop song depends from its music, singer and lyrics. I found them relaxing, uplifting and sometimes annoying.
R’n’B, Rap and Reggae
Beyoncé – If I Were A Boy (Beyoncé – If I Were A Boy, 2009)
Although I know that most of the songs from this genre has a meaning, still they are not really my favorites. Sometimes I am listening different songs from musicians such as Beyoncé, Eminem and Bob Marley.
Rock
Queen – We Will Rock You (Queen – We Will Rock You, 2006)
I was introduced to rock by The Legendary – Queen. The way they created music and their songs are pioneers in the music industry. Its uniqueness lie in the musicians who composed songs which involves the audience. This creates a connection between the music and the listener.
Soul
Aretha Franklin – Think (The Blues Brothers Version) (Franklin, 2011)
This genre is particularly interesting for me as most of its singers has their own vocal abilities. I also like that the music is limitless and each performer can add their personalities which makes each piece different and unique. Aretha Franklin is one of the most famous female soul singer. Her vocal technique is incredible. I really enjoyed this piece as it is really uplifting and moving. Basically it is hard to keep just sitting and listening as the rhythm carries away as soon as the music begins.
Reference:
2015. The Best of Classical Music 🎻 Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Vivaldi 🎹 Most Famous Classic Pieces. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgpJVI3tDbY> [Accessed 5 May 2019]
This week I did a little research about how music is present in my daily life. What I found is music is constantly around me. On the bus, in the supermarket, at work and at home. The most popular music is pop. Nowadays favorites can be heard on the bus radio and in the supermarket. There was one exception. One morning the bus driver tuned to the lyric station and we were listening different classical pieces.
As I am working in a busy reception I choose music which creates a relaxing atmosphere. YouTube is a great source for this. I found numerous pieces which are perfect for relaxation, such as New Age, Classical and Instrumental with environmental sounds like rain, thunder, forest etc.
At home I came across different kinds of music, depending what I am doing. For studying I was using more relaxing and instrumental pieces. When I was preparing for my singing lesson, I was listening to classical pieces. There is also music in the background when I am watching films or my favorite TV series.
Generally music has a positive effect on me and certain pieces catches my attention very quickly. There are certain situations when I ignore music. For example when I am shopping or watching TV. The reason is that I am focusing more on the activities than the music itself.
The research clearly shows that music is playing a crucial part of our life and its used to generate a relaxing or uplifting environment which effects peoples moods.
Music was always part of my life. During my childhood we were clapping the rhythm of a song, then we sang notes by following our teacher`s hand signals (Kodaly Method).
As I grow up music became much more for me. I had the opportunity to sing in various set ups and styles such as Gregorian, choir pieces, choral music, classical music, gospel, traditional and musical. I also used music for healing therapy. I experienced how different harmonies and settings effect people and how unique music is, as even each individual has a different perspective from the same piece.
The Oxford Dictionary definition of music is: “Vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony and expression of emotion.”
From my view music is an unique language and it connects people all
around the world. It can be written without any limitation so it is a
perfect tool to express emotion, creativity or using it for healing.
I agree with the definition in the dictionary but it will be interesting to see how my view will change over time when I am well into the course.
Aname 