You can tell a superfan from a casual viewer by their ability to recognize a film or TV show from the first few notes of its soundtrack. One of the most evocative elements of experiencing a great movie or action-packed series is a captivating theme or moving melody. Songs can elevate a scene, pull on our heartstrings and help us connect with the characters on our screens. Needless to say, music in film is powerful, and concerts dedicated to these famous film soundtracks are as popular as ever.
This season, movie buffs and music lovers alike can experience their favorite soundtracks and anime scores at the magical Candlelight concerts. These performances recreate the melodies of some of the world’s best composers, such as Joe Hisaishi and Danny Elfman. Prepare to be taken back to some of your favorite on-screen moments as you unwind in a beautifully candlelit setting.
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Featured Candlelight soundtrack concert
Candlelight: The Best of Ennio Morricone
The Italian maestro has created some of the most iconic and powerful scores in cinema history. Whether it is for his work in Spaghetti Westerns, or his emotional melodies in ‘Gabriel’s Oboe’ from The Mission and ‘Totò e Alfreddo’ from Cinema Paradiso, Morricone has left an indelible mark on film music and the hearts of millions. This season, you can get reintroduced to his most famous pieces at the Church of the Heavenly Rest, courtesy of Candlelight and Highline String Quartet.
All upcoming Candlelight soundtrack tribute concerts
Where to see live film score concerts in NYC
There are many venues in the city that have hosted tributes to music from the Studio Ghibli films and The Lord of the Rings, such as Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall. This season, coming to other incredible New York venues, such as The Opera House and St Ann & the Holy Trinity Church, the Candlelight series is also paying homage to legendary movie and TV scores. Guests can enjoy familiar tunes reimagined in the classical form as they’re surrounded by a sea of flickering candles.
“You have to make an audience experience with the ears as well as their eyes.” – James Horner
How do great soundtracks help storytelling in film?
Mood and Atmosphere
Film music has the ability to set the tone for an entire movie. Take the horror genre as a prime example. What’s already scary feels even more terrifying when creepy melodies sound. For instance, in The Silence of the Lambs, an ominous atmosphere is achieved throughout the movie thanks to the use of string instruments together with choral elements. Every time Hannibal Lecter makes an appearance on screen, these sinister sounds gradually build, making the character appear even more menacing.
Character Emotion
Music allows audiences to connect with characters by helping us feel how they feel. When Whitney Houston’s character belts out songs like “I Have Nothing” and “I Will Always Love You” in The Bodyguard, we feel her deep longing and desire for her soulmate.
Likewise, when Lady Gaga’s character in A Star Is Born sings “I’ll Never Love Again” after her partner’s tragic death, audiences witness her heartbreak first hand. As the singer becomes visibly more and more upset, the song gradually builds. At the climax, she belts the chorus until the final verse where only a piano and her soft voice can be heard, reflecting her sad acceptance of the heart-breaking events that had occurred the evening before.
A Fun Film Score Fact
Released in 1968, the orchestral soundtrack for Planet of the Apes was recorded with the help of some pretty unusual instruments, including pots and pans. Composed by Jerry Goldsmith, this technique gave the score a unique texture and sound.
Note: For the safety of our audience, all of the candlelight will be provided through flameless candles.