How to add sound to amateur films (1954)

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Mood Music Mood music improves almost any film. And when you come to experiment, you will find that a surprising diversity of musical works go quite well with any particular film. On the other hand some kinds of music are of very little use for films. Vocal pieces, for example, are distracting because the audience attends more to the voice than to the picture. Very occasionally you will find a use for vocal music — if somebody is supposed to be listening to a radio, for instance. But in such a case the song is more in the nature of a sound effect than mood music. To a lesser extent, much the same applies to brass bands, cinema organs and other sources of music which are likely to have strong associations for the audience. Brass band music can accompany pictures of a parade, circus or similar function. But it is scarcely suitable for a film consisting mainly of scenes in the country or on the beach. Piano music is seldom satisfactory either; its percussive nature commands too much attention. Stringed instruments, such as the violin, viola and cello provide a smoother, less obtrusive accompaniment. So in general you are safe in using music primarily by strings, whether a quartet or a symphony orchestra. Avoid popular and well-known tunes which an audience may hum or whistle. Catchy tunes are dangerous also, although you can use one as a theme tune to great effect. At all times remember that the music is secondary to the picture. It should help, but not carry, the film. So for the most part, choose restrained passages and keep your big guns for the climax. 110