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Abstract
As a film composer, my role extends beyond merely creating unique music; it involves deeply resonating with the audience. Music composition for film significantly differs from standalone music composition, as it primarily serves the narrative. Film music is meticulously crafted to enhance the story, conveying emotions and ideas to viewers. It's not about creating good music in isolation but about integrating music with the story to evoke emotions and support the narrative arc. My passion for film music stems from its unparalleled ability to evoke emotions—a quality inherent in music’s abstract, interpretative nature. Despite its subjectivity, I strive to convey specific emotions through my compositions. Understanding the director’s vision and translating their adjectives into music is crucial. By doing so, I ensure that the musical elements align with and enhance the cinematic experience. Through studying films and film music, I’ve identified various musical techniques and idioms that effectively convey specific situations and emotions. The semiotic meaning of music, though sometimes seen as a limitation, is a powerful storytelling tool that can make audiences laugh, cry, and feel deeply connected to the narrative. By leveraging these techniques, I can create a musical landscape that not only complements but also elevates the visual and emotional storytelling of a film.
Publication Date
7-1-2024
Campus
Valencia (Spain) Campus
Recommended Citation
Ng, Yan To. “Interpreting Emotions in Film Music.” Master's thesis, Berklee College of Music, 2024. https://remix.berklee.edu/graduate-studies-scoring/266.