Songs Without Words
We usually geek out about words here at Off the Clock.
Today, I’m going to flip the script, as it were — and focus on the absence of words in one particular genre.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve appreciated film scores. To me, they’re an essential part of the moviegoing experience, and a well-composed score can enhance a film as much as great writing.
It doesn’t hurt that I got to meet John Williams when we inducted him into my school’s chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, on the occasion of his retirement as conductor of the Boston Pops.
I love the concept of creating something that deeply moves an audience without words. It’s not a talent that all of us possess, but it’s one we can appreciate.
As someone who grew up playing percussion and the accordion (yes, really), I enjoy sharing emotionally-stirring instrumental music.
Something Old, Something New
Between my interest in film scores and my longstanding experience with podcasting, it’s been vexing not to be able to create a podcast about film music (due to copyright laws).
Well, I’ve managed to work around that thanks to how Spotify is set up: anyone can interweave the spoken word and music to create a show.
And that’s how Music at the Movies was born.
I added it to Substack, so you can get updates there — not just notifications of new episodes, but other entries about film music.
Such as the latest, which is all about a stunning silent version of Tim Burton’s Batman from 1989.
It’s an exploration of why the film works without words — or at least without spoken words; the creator included title cards to help with the translation.
Check it out and see what you think. And if you’re as interested in getting updates, please consider clicking the subscribe button for Music at the Movies.
Thanks, and I’ll see you at the movies on the internet.
