JJLS Music
ScoreRelief2021 | Spring - Jasper Sullivan (see desc. for commentary) | #scorerelief2021 #thecuetube
Hello everyone! This is my entry for the Score Relief 2021 competition. You can find out more about the competition and the relief efforts here: https://www.thecuetube.com/scorerelie...
Below is a short commentary of my work talking about some unique properties of my entry!
Please help and support those in need during to the current circumstances due to the ongoing pandemic. And thank you Cue Tube for this amazing opportunity.
#scorerelief2021
Overall structure: The whole score revolves around the 4 note motif provided by the sound design. From the very opening, through to the action scene, the reveal of the dog, through to the big majestic ending; the motif is always present in some way; be that obviously in the melody or through the choice of harmony. The score overall, truly focuses in on the elect of ‘journey’. A simple example is how the score begins in F# minor and ending in F# major shows how the piece comes around in full circle but journeys from minor to major. However, the themes versatility allowed for it to be present, whatever the emotional intent of the scene! The consistency of the theme was paramount in order to maintain the immersion of the story.
TL;DR: The main 4 note theme as present in the sound design is used everywhere.
Contextual stuff: The sounds of the solo female voice(s) provides a sense of a guardian angel or the idea of the girls ancestors watching over her as we learn that she is performing traditional rites. Similarly, the use of a choir at the beginning and end of the score further emphasises this. At the very least, to show how there is someone guiding the girl through her journey, be it protecting her or aiding - particularly as the girl seems to know how to use the staff without instruction.
TL;DR: The use of solo female voices and choir emphasises the context of the characters heritage; almost creating an additional character in its own right within the story.
Instrumentation*: Each of the orchestral families related to each character with the exclusion of voices used to represent the hero’s ancestors. The strings, hero. Woodwinds, Dog. And the tall tree creatures, Brass and drums.
Here are a couple of examples: When we see the girl waving the staff (like a conductors Baton funnily enough) there is a big lyrical string line played in unison with the female voice - both representing the hero but also that she is being guided by the spirits of her ancestors. Similarly, when she saves the dog, tremolo Sul. Pont strings can be heard showing her bracing for impact, then when she finds out she will be okay, the voices are heard once again.
Woodwinds: both and the beginning of the movie and when the dog is found to be okay, woods and strings play together in harmony and calmness, however in the chance scene, the woodwinds are separated and erratic to show the stress of the chase.
Brass: the Brass is used to represent the majesty of the great creatures who live in the forest and help the hero in her journey. This can be heard when the hero first slams her staff and particularly when she is about to get squashed.**
Drums: See brass**
Tubular bells: Tubular bells can be heard when the staff is slammed - I.e. staff = bells.
*also see contextual stuff
I sincerely hope this helps you enjoy my score a bit more! All the best with your entries!
