The fundamental principles of Balaban & Katz theatre management (1926)

THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF principle underlying cueing is the harmonising of the emotional appeal of the music to that of the particular scene in the picture. Good cueing has the same effect in emphasising the particular scenes in a picture as the underlining of important passages in a printed story. An authority on this subject has stated that "a picture is scored well when the music adds to the atmosphere of that picture to such an extent that the audience's interest in the story is so aroused that they are not consciously aware of the musical accompaniment.' 1 If this concept is to be met the changes in the music from one piece to another must be scarcely noticeable. The music must be well timed to conform to the proper speed for running the picture. It should be free from abrupt "finishes." Special attention is given to the proper selection of the music with reference to the scenes which will be shown while various parts are being played. A good musical score should have an underlying theme which will carry throughout the feature picture. In addition, it will characterise the individuals appearing in the plot. The exceptionally rapid changes in many news reels require unusual care in the preparation and playing of the musical score. In most cases, the musical score for these is prepared accurately with the aid of a stopwatch. As a result you may expect the necessary transitions to occur promptly with the appearance of the titles. Although a musical score may be excellent, it will lose a part of its effectiveness if repeated too often at your theatre. Practically all of the thought in the preceding paragraph is equally applicable to the organ. In addition, the organist has a great opportunity to inject personality and individuality into his interpretation of the program. [71] BALABAN 6? KAT2 THEATRE MANAGEMENT