When done right, soundtracks can completely transform a movie scene from a non-event to an unforgettable on-screen moment. Indeed, they’ve come a long way since the early days of being used to overpower the projectors’ noise and are even considered an art form. This increase in appreciation and popularity has resulted in more and more tribute concerts celebrating iconic movies and film music.
After all, we leave the movie theater humming the notes of a soundtrack and talking about it for days, obviously if the score is fire. Film in music simply elevates the movie watching experience and gives life to the story. For this reason, Candlelight is honoring some of the best soundtracks in movie and music history, recreating nostalgic Studio Ghibli scores, songs heard in Bridgerton, sci-fi and horror movie soundtracks, and more. Prepare to commence a journey through your favorite on-screen moments in a breathtaking setting provided by the twinkling candles.
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Featured Candlelight soundtrack concert
Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi
He’s known for his numerous collaborations with Studio Ghibli and other famous Japanese directors in the likes of Takeshi Kitano. But what is truly special about musician and composer Joe Hisaishi is the ability to evoke deep emotions. His music blends a range of genres to create memorable scores, blending Wester classical music, Japanese folk music and electronic sounds. This season, you can hear some of his best work, including the pieces from created for Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Ponyo, recreated at Fleet Science Center.
All upcoming Candlelight soundtrack tribute concerts
Where to see live film score concerts in San Diego
If you want to catch a soundtrack tribute concerts in your city, there are countless spaces in the city that repeatedly host live music tributes. From The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and Pechanga Arena San Diego to the San Diego Natural History Museum and the Star Theatre, audiences can feel as if they were watching their favorite movie for the very first time again.
Some of these locations are also renowned Candlelight venues, where guests can experience familiar and nostalgic tunes in a breathtaking setting. Thanks to the moving melodies and calming notes of the film compositions being performed by talented musicians, these extraordinary concerts make for relaxing and entertaining evenings out.
How do great soundtracks help storytelling in film?
Mood and atmosphere
One of the main functions of music in film is creating a certain mood or atmosphere. From the very first seconds of the film, the way the credits are accompanied can immediately give you an idea of the genre but it doesn’t just apply to how the score comes in in the beginning of the movie. Soundtracks and scores can help to set the tone of any scene.
Think of the 2009 movie Watchmen, directed by Zack Snyder. The film starts with Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin'”, which in of itself is a social commentary on the political divide in the States during the 1960s. In the movie, this song plays over a montage that provides historical context for the film’s alternate reality and signals its themes of morality issues and social change.
Foreshadowing
This can best be observed in thrillers, drama, action, horror and sci-fi films. It’s a great technique to create a sense of impending doom or forthcoming danger without the characters actually having to say anything.
Normally, you’ll hear a lot of low tones, dissonant notes and a crescendo dynamic. For example, the iconic Godfather theme, composed by Nino Rota is used throughout the movie to underscore the familial ties within the Corleone family. Also known as the “Love Theme”, the song is moving and yet it evokes unsettling feelings as it hints at the impending downfall and betrayal within the family.
A Fun Film Score Fact
The Number 1, most successful soundtrack of all time is The Bodyguard, selling over 45 million copies worldwide. Whitney Houston’s insane vocals and her ability to convey raw emotions are deemed the reason why the movie soundtrack continues to top this list. The soundtrack includes the songs “I Have Nothing”, “I Run to You” and the legendary “I Will Always Love You”.