Igor Stravinsky: 'Film music should have the same relationship to the film drama that somebody's piano playing in my living room has on the book I am reading.'

Film music should have the same relationship to the film drama that somebody's piano playing in my living room has on the book I am reading.

In his thought-provoking quote, Igor Stravinsky highlights the unique role of film music in enhancing the cinematic experience. He suggests that film music should not overpower the visual narrative but instead contribute to it just as background piano playing would complement one's reading experience in a living room. This analogy alludes to the notion that film music should harmoniously integrate with the film drama, subtly enriching the emotional journey of the viewers. While this interpretation of Stravinsky's quote appears clear and comprehensible, let us now embark on a journey of philosophical exploration to further delve into its profound implications.Philosophically, we can look at Stravinsky's comparison from two distinct perspectives - the individualistic and the symbiotic. The individualistic standpoint emphasizes the parallel between the piano playing and the book reading, suggesting that film music, like piano playing, serves as a personal and intimate experience for the individual viewer. Just as the playing of a piano in the living room encapsulates the emotional connection between the performer and their instrument, film music creates a similar intimate bond between the viewer and the cinematic artwork. It becomes a personal journey, where the nuances of the music intertwine with the complexities of one's emotions and thoughts.On the other hand, the symbiotic perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of the elements involved. Here, we can expand the analogy to include not just the piano player, but also the book reader. While the piano playing in the living room captures the attention of the book reader, it simultaneously enhances the ambiance and atmosphere of the reading experience. In this way, film music plays a complementary role, heightening the emotional impact of the cinematic scenes while also harmonizing with the visuals themselves. It becomes a collaborative art form, where the music and film drama work hand in hand to create a holistic and immersive experience.Furthermore, Stravinsky's quote alludes to the distinctiveness of film music as an art form. Just as the piano playing in the living room may subconsciously influence the reader's perception of the book, film music has the power to evoke emotions, shape moods, and heighten the narrative impact on viewers. It is the delicate balance between presence and subtlety that makes film music a significant component of the cinematic experience. Like a gentle breeze that caresses one's face unnoticed yet leaves an indelible impression, film music enriches the visual storytelling by immersing audiences in deeper emotional states without overshadowing the essence of the narrative.Moreover, Stravinsky's quote raises intriguing questions about the importance of interpretation and subjective experience. Just as different piano players may bring their unique style and interpretation to a piece of music, filmmakers have the opportunity to collaborate with composers to shape the emotional landscape of their cinematic vision. The interpretation of film music, then, becomes a subjective experience, as it can evoke different emotions, memories, or perceptions in individual viewers. It serves as a reminder that the impact of film music extends beyond the technical aspects or the intended emotions, allowing each viewer to connect with the story on a personal level.In conclusion, Igor Stravinsky's quote offers a fascinating perspective on the relationship between film music and the cinematic experience. By drawing an analogy to someone's piano playing in a living room while reading a book, Stravinsky highlights the delicate balance between presence and subtlety that film music should achieve. Through the philosophical exploration of this analogy, we discover the individualistic and symbiotic aspects of film music, delve into its distinctive role as an art form, and contemplate its subjective interpretation. Ultimately, Stravinsky's quote reminds us of the profound impact that film music can have on our emotional journey as we immerse ourselves in the captivating world of cinema.