Jazz for aficionados

Today's Listen: 

Duke Ellington / Mahalia Jackson -- BLACK, BROWN AND BEIGE

Part lV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0PlS8nuceA

From the Notes: Duke called her frequently to persuade her to sing for the first time with a Jazz orchestra.  His message was usually, "don't worry about it," Mahalia's usual reply was "all right, Duke, if you say so."

Brought a smile to my face.

Cheers

Does the great movie makes the soundtrack sound good or is it a coincidence that masters were together on work?
Some themes, from movies that are worth mentioning...

Anton Karas, from 'Third Man'...
https://youtu.be/r8jN1treRKQ

Mikis Theodorakis from 'Zorba the Greek'
https://youtu.be/n_BHJNAJk8Q
He also made music for 'Serpico' with Pacino, but that score did not stick...

Dimitri Tiomkin, from 'High Noon', sung by Frankie Lane
https://youtu.be/EOg4x_rMqfY
Could list lots more themes with Frankie Lane...

One more 'recent', from 1971. Great movie, by the way.
Roy Budd, from 'Get Carter'
https://youtu.be/jhisIT_CuQ8

John Carpenter made music for movies he directed. I like them. Could we find here elements for discussion, 'old' or 'real' music vs 'new' ?
'Assault on Precinct 13'...https://youtu.be/PoplzqcUa8Q

Walter Hill's classic, The Warriors', music made by Barry De Vorzon
Must admit that I am not familiar with any other themes that he may done, but this one is great. Movie too, of course
https://youtu.be/9p7EE1F80fU

Alex, fantastic post and great examples! Your question is a very interesting one. The role of the film score is necessarily subservient to the film; so, from that standpoint, I think it can be said that the score makes the film look good more often than the film makes the music sound good. However, that is in the context of the overall final product. The role of the score is to follow what is referred to as the "emotional arc" of the film and while it could be said that this puts a restriction on the composer of the music, it also offers an opportunity and is a test of the conposer’s craft and ability to create something great within those restrictions. The ultimate test of a film score’s merit is usually (not always) whether it can stand on its own without the film.

Coincidence? Unlikely. A film composer is carefully chosen by a producer and/or director based on their perception of that composer’s ability to write music in a style that will be appropriate for that film’s emotional arc. The film composer usually begins the process of composing the score well after the film’s creative process has begun and will often modify the score to fit the film; as far as emotional content or simple timing within a particular scene (cues). The composer himself will often conduct the score while viewing scenes that have already been filmed and makes tempo adjustments to fit the scene. Often, the music must be performed to very strict timing requirements and is conducted and performed to a "click track"; a series of clicks that gives the composer and musicians a tempo that must be adhered to so that the music is in sync with the action. In rare exceptions the director will alter the "action" to fit the music. Needless to say, this is an indication that there is something very special in that music.

Speaking of coincidences, I am once again on a 14 hour flight, this time back from China where I took part in a concert/screening by the NY Philharmonic of the classic silent film "City Lights" by the great Charlie Chaplin. A little known fact is that Chaplin was a fantastic composer among many other talents; a true genius. This was a silent film with music scored filmed a few years after the advent of "talkies" as it was Chaplin’s preferred medium. As is more and more common these days a classic film is presented to an audience with a live orchestra performing the score. In this case, the fact that it is a silent film highlights the importance of the role of the score. Beautiful music which was orchestrated by the great Alfred Newman. So many great film scores. Some favorites (sorry for no links, can’t access YouTube):

"Ivan The Terrible", Sergei Prokofiev
"The Pawnbroker", Quincy Jones
"The Godfather", Nino Rota
"Anatomy Of A Murder", Duke Ellington
"The Red Pony", Aaron Copland
"On The Waterfront", Leonard Bernstein
"The Pawn Broker", Quincy Jones
"Ben Hur", Miklos Rozsa
"Vertigo", Bernard Hermann
"The Bridge On The River Kuai", Malcolm Arnold
"North By Northwest", Bernard Hermann

Chico Hamilton.

How could I forget?  Thanks jazz-crier:

https://www.discogs.com/Chico-Hamilton-The-Film-Music-Of-Chico-Hamilton-Sweet-Smell-Of-Success-And-R...

http://youtu.be/k-BEUboCvnw