End Credits have become a rare thing in the world of film music. That’s why I pulled all the stops for this suite. Listen and read along! Especially because the story ends with a moment of relief instead of a high note, I wanted to add some more music to 1. bring back… Continue reading Track by Track: The Dark Guardian 17 – End Credits Suite
Author: Alexander S.
Track by Track: The Dark Guardian 16 – Resolution
Resolution tracks are always an inspiration. There’s dramatic revelation, a sense of wonder and all elements come together, literally and musically. The Creeper says Good-bye and leaves the scene before Gordon and the police arrive. Batman introduces the supposedly dead Talia to Gordon and takes his leave as well – not without handing… Continue reading Track by Track: The Dark Guardian 16 – Resolution
Track by Track: The Dark Guardian 15 – Most Generous Offer, Finale
Batman has been captured and gets a most generous offer. Time to have all leitmotives come together in one track! Listen and read along! The scene starts with spotlights at a tied-up Batman in the circus ring. The music mocks the circus attraction scenery with rolling snare drums. Then the villains reveal themselves. As… Continue reading Track by Track: The Dark Guardian 15 – Most Generous Offer, Finale
Track by Track: The Dark Guardian 14 – Pursuing the Dwarf
Batman searching the circus area for clues is musically challenging for any composer. Read why and listen to the music! The circus at night is treacherously calm and the slow variation on the Batman motif reflects this as Batman continues his search for clues. The monophonic part of the music is interrupted as… Continue reading Track by Track: The Dark Guardian 14 – Pursuing the Dwarf
Oops I did it again
Christopher Nolan’s films are quite a challenge for a film composer. Content and structure are complicated and they seem to rely on sound more than on music. I recently watched The Prestige and I have to say, rarely have I seen a movie that is scored so differently from what I would envision for it.… Continue reading Oops I did it again
Track by Track: The Dark Guardian 13 – Searching The Wagon
Let’s investigate with some detective/investigation music that follows quite a lot of different events. Listen to the music and read my commentary! The music starts slowly with some low piano and rhythmic elements as Batman (still in disguise) sneaks into Slapleather Smith’s wagon, searching for evidence. This is something that I love about… Continue reading Track by Track: The Dark Guardian 13 – Searching The Wagon
Easy Mixing Advice: Struggling with Legato
One reason many MIDI compositions don’t sound convincing is legato. If the notes, especially violin phrases, do not sound connected, even casual listeners will know immediately. This is especially the case with strings, but of course all instruments deserve convincing legato. I’m far from getting it 100% right, but I have discovered some aspects that… Continue reading Easy Mixing Advice: Struggling with Legato
Track by Track: The Dark Guardian 12 – Circus Investigation
This track ushers in the final part of the story. Prepare for circus sensation music, while you read along and listen! We start with the introductory picture of the last chapter of the story which already hints at a circus being the place where everything will come together. The music starts in a… Continue reading Track by Track: The Dark Guardian 12 – Circus Investigation
Track by Track: The Dark Guardian 11 – Confrontation At The Zoo
At the zoo Batman is challenged by an old foe/friend, and I’m going full into Goldsmith-mode. Listen and read along! When Batman enters the zoo the music starts silently with Marimba as a rhythmic pulse. As the Creeper shows himself, the trumpets come in with staccato accenting the first beat, hightening the tension.… Continue reading Track by Track: The Dark Guardian 11 – Confrontation At The Zoo