PhysMuse

I have been enjoying watching videos of film music composers on youtube lately.

Why have I been doing this?

Well, there are plenty of them and I think that it is interesting to see the composers of film music that we often hear as part of a film, but just as often almost do not realize that the music is there, except in certain moments as we are concentrating on the story.

Just imagine if that music was not there though. That music sets the theme of the film; it gives clues as to what is coming next. It builds suspense, releases that suspense. It can make a scene from the film have a different impact upon us depending upon the music associated with the visuals.

Film music allows us to truly understand the emotional impact of visual scenes and heightens our emotional association with them.

So, who have I been watching videos about?
I have been mostly looking at, for now:

• Harry Gregson-Williams
• Hans Zimmer
• Thomas Newman
• John Williams

I am only beginning to become acquainted with film music composers so that list is probably very limited, but if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know in the comments.

I also enjoy looking at them in their natural environment, be that their personal studios, or their composition nook.

It is revealing to see the different ways in which they compose, whether that be using scoring software, a D.A.W., or handwriting scores.

Any thoughts, let me know.