Sean Kim
Movies From the Late
1990's to the Early 2000's
My overall project focuses on movies that were created in the late 1990's to the early 2000's. I specifically chose movies that I enjoyed watching or I watched in class. Despite having a compositional background, I wanted to push myself with this project by using new musical software -- specifically, I used Sound Trap to film score 2 out of the 3 movies. When composing music, I normally use either Sibelius or Muse Score 3. However, since this was my first time using Sound Trap, I wanted to learn how to effectively create using this software. What I wanted to get most out of this project was learning how to use technology to aid my pursuits of music composition. Moreover, I want my audience to not only enjoy my music, but also realize the impact it can have on the scene itself. Lastly, when I was editing this video, I used Video Editor, which is an app on windows computer. Having used it before, I was extremely familiar with the editing process. Most notably, for the process, I first watched the scene a countless number of time to get a feel for the scene. Afterwards, I then composed music accompanying that scene, and then lastly, edited the film all together.
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As an artist, I want to focus on topics that I find important or that I enjoy. Specifically, in this project, I wanted to focus on films that I watched and enjoyed immensely. Since watching Toy Story 2 and Lord of the Rings years ago, and Romeo and Juliet in Class, I knew that I wanted to film score these movies. They are not only action packed, but they are also extremely sentimental and complex, leaving the audience yearning for more. Through my compositions, I hope the audience will not only enjoy the music itself, but also realize the impact it can have on a scene. As a composer myself, I hope that most of my music leaves a profound impact on the audience because that is what I believe music should do. Since music is indeed a universal language, the audience should appreciate and realize its tremendous impact.
Toy Story 2
The first time I ever watched Toy Story 2 was well over 6 years ago. Thus, when I was choosing what movie to orchestrate, I decided to pick Toy Story 2 because of the jam packed plot line as well emotions: definitely, the scene that I decided to score encompasses these aspects. Most notably, the scene opens with a movie playing, then transitioning into a more light-hearted playing scene. However, the ending concludes in a very somber tone, in which Jessie is afraid of being locked up again. To convey this contrast in emotions, I used different music to convey each emotion -- for the movie scene, I used a music reminiscent of one played in an old cd player. Then, for the lighthearted playing scene, I used music that is extremely tranquil and serene. However, at the end, I used a dark piano tune that underscores Jessie's fear. From class, I learned that music can indeed enhance the overall scene -- more specifically, it can underscore specific emotions and feelings. Definitely, my music does indeed does enhance the music because it helps juxtaposes the different emotions and feelings the characters have in each scene. In order to effectively convey these emotions, when composing the film score, first I had to watch the scene multiple times to gain a sense of the overall tone. Afterwards, I then scored music that I thought fitted each scene. Lastly, I used Video Editor to merge the video and the music. Looking back, I think what I most enjoyed about this project was using a new composition software. In addition, I am also very happy with the final product since I believe it helps underscore the scene.
“Toy Story 2 Woodys Roundup Merchandise.” YouTube, uploaded by Crazy Buzz Fan, 22 June 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-JHGjBmPEg&list=PLr6ZM0WAUwzTwfZcAodq4iLyXyJBCHkHv&index=9.
Lord of the Rings
As an avid fan of the Lord of the Rings Series, I knew that one scene I wanted to orchestrate would come directly from this masterpiece. To juxtapose my other scenes, I decided to pick a dark and menacing scene -- specifically, I decided to pick the scene where Sauron joins forces with Saruman in attempts to rule middle earth. In this scene, you see both of these villains joining forces as well as the creation of Orcs. To convey this dark and menacing feeling, I decided to use music that underscores this emotion. Specifically, I used a ``base music," and on top of that, I layered with percussion. This combination of instruments underscores the severity of the scene. In class, I learned that film music can greatly enhance one's watching of a movie. Thus, I knew that the music should fit the tone of this scene to help convey this scene even more. When creating this piece on Sound Trap, I generally did a mix and match approach, in which I tried different instruments and music to see what would work best with this scene. Since I am a novice at using Sound Trap, it took me a while to see what music would and could not work. Looking back, although I did not have the greatest time using Sound Trap simply because I prefer composing from scratch, I enjoyed learning how to use a new composition software. As a composition major, this will definitely help improve my composition in the future.
“LOTR The Two Towers - Extended Edition - The Burning of the Westfold.” YouTube, uploaded by EgalmothOfGondolin01, 7 Jan. 2014,www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qE5FSG6K0Y
Romeo and Juliet
In class, I was assigned to score music for the ballroom scene in Romeo and Juliet. When I first watched the scene, what stood out to me was the dual nature of the characters -- specifically, both Romeo and Juliet looked delighted externally and yet dejected internally. This is most likely because they are star crossed lovers: this scene especially portrays this juxtaposition. Thus, to capture this dual nature of both Romeo and Juliet, I decided to compose a piece that gives both a relaxed and yet somber feeling. This emotion is portrayed primarily through the key -- a minor -- as well as the brisk piano tempo. The tempo is not vivacious like a dance, and yet it is not slow like an elegy. Instead, the tempo is moderate, which as reiterated earlier, portrays this dual nature of Romeo and Juliet. When composing this piece, what I enjoyed the most was the composition aspect. Specifically, I composed the music on MuseScore3 for solo piano. For me, the general purpose of this assignment was not only to practice film score orchestration, but also practicing composition itself. As a person who loves composing music from scratch, I thought the composition process was the most enjoyable to me, followed by lining up the scene with the music.
“Theme From Romeo and Juliet ‘ A Time For Us’ ( 1968 ) - Henry Mancini and His Orchestra.” YouTube, uploaded by Giulia Zarantonello,
10 July 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=trWoUFihU34&t=25s.