Despite all that has been said about the decline of classical music, there is one area in which its influence continues to thrive: soundtracks.
Film, TV, anime, video games… classical music almost always sits behind the scores for such mediums, whether the music is simply inspired by it or actual classical works are appropriated and used in the setting.
Yet, of all the surprises (good and bad) to be found in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi spectacular, I was most struck to discover an unlikely stowaway aboard the fated spaceship: 19th Century Polish composer Frédéric Chopin.
In one of the film’s earliest (and best) sequences, we watch Michael Fassbender’s android David drift around the ship, doing his chores whilst listening to Chopin’s ‘Raindrop’ Prelude for solo piano, written in 1838. It’s a remarkable montage, staged almost like ballet by Scott.
But why Chopin? Why not Kanye? Why not Dylan? Why not some semblance of whatever might be topping the charts in 2089 (when the film is set)? Doubtless, the music is intended to suggest that David’s an aesthete, but it serves a higher purpose than that, unfolding for several minutes and returning for the end titles. Chopin, it seems, has a singularity of character, a unique style, that nothing else composed in the 184 years since it was written can equally capture. Ridley Scott has to delve that far back to find the effect he needs.
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the unsung power of classical music.
The author of this piece, found on the Huffington Post, points out that classical music has been a long-standing staple in film, from grand sci-fi masterpieces such as 2001: A Space Odyssey featuring titans Johann Strauss and György Ligeti, to the romantic comedy that draws upon a cute little chamber ensemble to power its main themes.
Why would all these luminaries keep calling upon classical music if it had nothing to say?
That’s a very good question, and one we should consider when we become overly critical about classical music’s demise.
For the listener who might think that classical music represents and outdated form of art, you are probably much more into it than you know. The next big blockbuster film you go and see (the new Batman comes out this week!), try paying attention the music. What does it sound like? You can almost be sure that you’ll be hearing classical influence in it.
So perhaps in this world of polemics and apologetics regarding classical music, there’s room for those who simply like to enjoy it in their weekly dose of their favorite TV drama or accompanying their favorite superhero on the big screen. For these people, classical music isn’t about status, tradition, or theory. It’s about how it enhances their experience.
And that’s okay, because it means that classical music has something to say and people know it. Which means that people will continue to expect, desire, and use it.
Still skeptical? Check out this awesome review of the 10 Best Classical Music Moments In Blockbuster Films, to see a sampling of how it’s been used.
Other stories from the classical music world:
- “Classical music can be insistent as the theme of a blockbuster movie and steady as the backdrop for some of the most important rites of life.” An apt statement given the above stories. Despite that, some feel that it remains an “endangered species” and are seeking ways of expanding broadcast to reach the masses.
- The ever-active Daniel Barenboim has taken his West-Eastern Divan Orchestra to a new experience – performing for the pope!
- A trio is helping kids discover that no alter ego or persona is needed to be a superhero. Instead, the three musicians are helping young kids find superpowers through classical music
Finally, in a true modern celebration of minimalism, composer Philip Glass – who celebrated his 75th birthday this year – was paid homage to as a ‘flash choir’ performed his music in Times Square in the midst of a blistering heat wave no less! I can’t think of a better way to show dedication and appreciation for one of the great artists of our times.
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