Music in film is a crucial part of filmmaking because it enhances the emotional impact of a scene, thus elevating the movie watching experience for us viewers. After all, music has the ability to evoke powerful emotions in people, and a well-chosen soundtrack can help to amplify the mood and atmosphere of the whole movie.
To celebrate the amazing scores that have accompanied popular movies, videogames and anime, concerts featuring iconic music from beloved films are now becoming common place. This season, Candlelight is honoring the works of legendary film composers like Joe Hisaishi, Danny Elfman, and more.
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Featured Candlelight soundtrack concert
Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi
As one of music’s most celebrated composers, Joe Hisaishi has certainly left his mark on the world of anime. This Candlelight tribute is giving fans of the art form the chance to hear classical renditions of songs from iconic movies and series including Laputa: Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away at the magnificent Gladstone Theatre.
By combining breathtaking live music with the flickering glow of candlelight in a fabulous setting known for its gorgeous architecture and charm, this sensational tribute concert is sure to impress.
All upcoming Candlelight soundtrack tribute concerts
Where to see live film score concerts in Ottawa
In Ottawa, many venues and performance arts centres have hosted film score concerts, from the National Arts Centre and Bronson Centre Theatre to Knox Church. You can also catch a Candlelight tribute, where you can relax in a candlelit setting surrounded by beautiful architecture and listening to classical music. The concert series provides the perfect escape from everyday pressures, where you can simply unwind while listening to soul-stirring classical renditions of familiar tunes.
With a wide range of performances coming to Ottawa’s most gorgeous venues, you’re certain to find the ideal show for you.
How do great soundtracks help storytelling in film?
Mood and atmosphere
Arguably one of the most important functions of music in film is setting the tone of the whole movie. It can create atmosphere and plot twists, and even immediately give you an idea of what the film genre is. Think of all the horror movies that feature a main score that resonates a sense of mystery and eeriness.
Foreshadowing
This is another technique that further helps the narrative. When film music is used to create impending doom or looming danger, this function is called foreshadowing. It is particularly used in tense or scary scenes, in action and horror movies. The melodies often go in a crescendo, reaching the climax, often with dissonant notes. For instance, Nino Rota’s score for The Godfather—one of the best movie soundtracks of all time—is hauntingly beautiful because it heralds the tragic events that unfold as the story progresses.
A Fun Film Score Fact
The Bodyguard soundtrack remains the best-selling soundtrack album of all time. Featuring vocals by Whitney Houston, it was released in 1992 and has sold over 45 million records worldwide. The soundtrack also won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.