An often underrated element of filmmaking is certainly film music. From setting the tone to bringing all the drama, there are so many uses of music in film, all of which contribute to a more immersive and impactful experience. Simply the intense labour that goes behind choosing the perfect score or soundtrack is for us viewers completely unknown.
In recent years, more and more musicians and composers tasked with coming up with these glorious pieces of music are finally receiving their flowers. This has led to the growing popularity of tributes, including Candlelight concerts in Sydney, that celebrate iconic movie soundtracks and composers, from Joe Hisaishi to A.R. Rahman, and we’re here for it!
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Featured Candlelight Soundtrack concerts
Candlelight: The World of Joe Hisaishi
He’s known for his numerous collaborations with Studio Ghibli and directors like Takeshi Kitano. But what is truly special about musician and composer Joe Hisaishi is the ability to evoke emotions and adventure. His music blends a range of genres to create memorable scores, blending classical music, Japanese folk music and electronic sounds. This season, you can hear some of his best work, including the pieces from created for Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Ponyo, recreated at St. Stephen’s Uniting Church.
All upcoming Candlelight soundtrack tribute concerts
Where to see live film score concerts in Sydney
St Stephen’s Uniting Church and Sydney Masonic Centre are some of the venues hosting film score tribute concerts by Candlelight in Sydney. Illuminated by thousands of candles, these concerts shine a light on the works in famous anime movies, animated classics, action blockbusters and more. ICC Sydney Theatre as well as the iconic Sydney Opera House are also hosting film score tributes to epics scored by John Williams and more.
“What makes film music different is that we are always given a situation and we make the song accordingly.” – Ankit Tiwari
How do great soundtracks help storytelling in film?
Film scores and soundtracks can build tension, anticipation and suspense and signal important narrative moments. This can be done through a gradual build-up or with sudden sounds or melodies to express a plot twist, a shocking change, or a ‘ta-dah’ moment. This technique isn’t used solely in films, but also TV shows and even soap operas, mediums that hone in on the drama.
Another function of film music is character development, particularly when it comes to reflecting the characters’ inner thoughts and personalities. This is sometimes showcased with character-specific scores and themes. For instance, huge, blockbuster sagas like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings often use specific scores so that the audience can easily identify the film’s heroes and villains.
A Fun Film Score Fact
We’re so accustomed to hearing music in any movie, TV show and even video game these days. But do you know that the first ever original score was written in 1908 by French Romantic composer, pianist and organist Camille Saint-Saëns? It was featured in The Assassination of the Duke of Guise (fr. L’Assassinat du duc de Guise), a short French film that depicts the story of how King Henry III murdered his powerful rival, The Duke Henri de Guise.