The shows contemporary staging was the factor that needed to be pushed the most throughout the performance process. Therefore be we as a company these delusions should be the opening to our performance which would mask the true meaning behind the performance, essentially tricking the audience to the meaning of the performance. However, The company began to steer away from the idea of using Phony sounds and soundscapes as the group decision was made these were not as effective as we once though, as well as the group believed the budget would not be able to cover the expenses of the props needed to produce the sound.

Instead, we decided that the first delusion would disguise our show, would be Jay’s Silent Movie.  The performance consisted of mime comedy displaying Michael (Jay’s Character)  as the hero, saving the girl and beating the villain. Thus required research into silent film, to create the correct theme. Research suggested that the performance musically wise required rhythm and a iconic piano, to help set the slap stick mood of the performance, which was the avenue in which we wanted to perform (Anderson, 1988, 1-5).  Moving from Anderson’s comments the play, I began to study the Styles of music which often feature in silent movies.

Taking influence from Safety Last! (1923) The style story bases itself around three major factors; love, comedy and danger, all which require distinctive sounds to allow audiences to feel the correct emotion behind the performance. The Example below shows the how music can add tension towards a scene, instantly changing the meaning or narrative behind the section of  film.

(ict4eso,2012).

Thus, comparing the style of silent film we wanted to create,  i looked a Music of the silent film era, however, during this time, recorded audio from singers was becoming a frequent trend, which posed a problem for our film as i believed this would draw away from the rustic feel if we wanted to created.

To challenge this by finding a piece of music which would allow that lighthearted nature if this move to be present. Finally, i decided on the desired track we wished for the performance, Scott Joplin’s Sunflower slow drag (1901).

(Brooklynskipper87,2011).

This piece of music, created the right energy and pace to the section as well as being a song which would be easily looped, so the repetition  would be allow the actors as much time as required, furthermore, having a singular song would not take away from the aesthetic of the piece as i believed a change in song may distort the rhythm.

Works cited

Anderson, G.B., 1988. Music for Silent Films: 1894-1929. A Guide.

Brooklynskipper87 (2011) Scott Joplin – Sunflower Slow Drag.

Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTwcCHyO3lw [accessed 8 April 2017]

ict4eso (2012) Safety Last! Famous Scene.  

Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFBYJNAapyk [accessed 8 April 2017 ].