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 famous quote, Igor Stravinsky made a thought-provoking analogy between film music and someone playing the piano in his living room while he reads a book. At first glance, this comparison may seem obscure, but upon closer examination, it reveals the intricate relationship between sound and visual storytelling. Stravinsky stresses the idea that film music serves a distinct purpose and should not overpower the narrative but rather complement it like background piano music enhances the reading experience. This understanding of the quote is quite straightforward. However, by introducing the unexpected philosophical concept of existentialism, we can delve deeper into the implications of Stravinsky's analogy.Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, focuses on the individual's subjective experience and the search for meaning in an inherently chaotic and absurd world. By introducing this concept to the discussion, we can explore the idea that film music, just like someone's piano playing, might serve as a metaphor for the human condition. Existentialism posits that individuals are confronted with an array of choices in life and must navigate through them to construct their own reality.Drawing a parallel between film music and existentialism entails looking at the impact of both on our emotional and psychological states. Just as film music has the power to evoke emotions and create resonance with the visual narrative, our choices in life shape our experiences, values, and ultimately our existence. Like the piano playing creating an ambiance in Stravinsky's living room, the choices we make create the backdrop for the narrative of our lives.Furthermore, Stravinsky's analogy highlights the importance of harmony in storytelling. The piano playing in the living room should never overpower the book being read; it is meant to enhance the overall experience. Similarly, in film, music should not overshadow the narrative but rather strengthen it through the careful selection of tones, melodies, and rhythms. This notion of harmony extends to existentialism, where each individual's choices should be in alignment with their values and beliefs to create a sense of integrity and purpose within their own life story.In a world saturated with sensory stimulus, both film music and existentialism encourage us to engage in a process of introspection and deep reflection. Just as the reader absorbs the words of a book while enjoying the piano playing's atmospheric presence, we can explore our own lives and find meaning amidst the chaos of existence. Film music, when thoughtfully composed, can elicit profound emotional responses from viewers, much like the decisions we make in life can shape our overall experience.Stravinsky's quote serves as a reminder that film music should not be seen as mere entertainment but as an integral component of storytelling. By extending this comparison to existentialism, we gain a fresh perspective on the power of choice and the role it plays in shaping our narratives. As the pianist in Stravinsky's living room contributes to the ambiance of his reading experience, film music has the potential to heighten our emotions and deepen our understanding of the visual narrative. Both elements remind us to embrace introspection, harmonize our choices with our values, and ultimately find meaning in the stories we construct both on and off the screen.