> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://swchsmusic.gitbook.io/y8-music/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://swchsmusic.gitbook.io/y8-music/film-music/film-music-lesson-2.md). # Film Music Lesson 2 Learning about Themes and 'Leitmotifs'. ## **TODAY'S PLAN** 1. To recap how music is used to enhance the drama and mood of a film. 2. To understand what a Leitmotif is. 3. To study 3 famous leitmotifs, using the musical elements. 4. To have an introduction to Bandlab Education software. ## **TASK 1: READ ME** Last week we listened to some famous pieces of Film Music 🎧 * We worked out which music we felt suited different types of film.​ * We thought about the **musical elements** which we refer to as:​ **M A D T S H I R T S​** * We listened to the main theme from 'Batman'.​ * We considered how the composer had used the musical elements to best represent Batman, his personality and his powers! ​ ## **TASK 2: WATCH ME** Watch this short video which will explain a little more about Film Music and the use of character themes, known as **'Leitmotifs'.** {% embed url="" %} ## **TASK 3: READ ME** **Leitmotifs** are musical phrases, associated with an individual character or place. Using **Mad t shirts** we will study **three famous examples** of letimotifs. ### 1\. **INDIANA JONES (Hero from an Action Film)** The Indiana Jones leitmotif MELODY mainly moves in STEP... but there are also large “leaps” between some of the notes. A brass sound, (SONORITY, TIMBRE & INSTRUMENTATION) works well to perform this leitmotif because it is a FANFARE for an action film. It has a fast TEMPO, very RHYTHMIC and is LOUD to portray Indiana's urgency and strength. Extension: You can try to play this leitmotif if you have a piano keyboard. ![](https://3119691341-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4dA_dy9aIZnx3SLflp%2F-MQcUXQxXj9ZRD24joIK%2F-MQgfbu4TT9wgjhUgKXq%2FIndiana.png?alt=media\&token=b7786e39-ddf5-4eb1-ad12-99ab4b49f1e5) {% file src="/files/-MQggjYNo8BBmQmJgkYr" %} Listen to me! Indiana Jones keyboard {% endfile %} ### **2. DARTH VADER (Villain from a Science Fiction Film).** The Darth Vader leitmotif MELODY is repetitive.... but again has large “leaps” between some of the notes. It also uses sharp and flat notes (the black keys on a piano keyboard). We call these ‘accidentals’. A brass sound (SONORITY, TIMBRE & INSTRUMENTATION), would work well to perform this leitmotif or, maybe a low string instrument. These are dark, low pitched sounds - as Darth Vader is an evil villain. This leitmotif is in a minor key (TONALITY)… can you think why the composer thought this was the best tonality to use to portray a villain? Extension: you can try to play this leitmotif if you have a piano keyboard. ![](https://3119691341-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4dA_dy9aIZnx3SLflp%2F-MQcUXQxXj9ZRD24joIK%2F-MQgiJAE_2y_emNDd7fE%2FDarth.png?alt=media\&token=13c19689-6d12-4cc9-ae22-1d9b48193610) {% file src="/files/-MQgiR2RU91KyzAYbsn7" %} Listen to me! Darth Vader leitmotif keyboard {% endfile %} ### **3. HEDWIG'S THEME FROM HARRY POTTER. (Fantasy and Adventure).** Hedwig’s Theme is the leitmotif from the Harry Potter films. This leitmotif sounds best when played with a “magical” or “fantasy” SONORITY such as a percussion sound (glockenspiel for example). This MELODY moves **sequentially**. It is **ascending** and **descending**. Can you think what this melodic movement might represent? Again, watch out for the black notes (accidentals)! This melodic device is called **chromaticism** and it adds to the eerie feel of magic and mystery! Extension: you can try to play this if you have a piano keyboard. Click below to listen. ![](https://3119691341-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4dA_dy9aIZnx3SLflp%2F-MQcUXQxXj9ZRD24joIK%2F-MQgjH7ITf-J_TEtx1jW%2FHedwig.png?alt=media\&token=45935ce9-d76d-496a-8666-03fb0c405f24) {% file src="/files/-MQgm5qEhkIG7EOM9a\_5" %} Listen to me! Hedwig's Theme keyboard {% endfile %} ## **TASK 4: WATCH ME** **For the rest of this lesson you are going to get familiar with Bandlab Education.** Over the next few weeks we will be composing our own leitmotifs for Film Music. You are **not** actually composing today - just getting more familiar with the software. {% hint style="danger" %} BandLab for Education only works on computers. Not phones. Not tablets. If you can use a computer, then you should. If it is possible to use a computer a little later, that is probably better than using a tablet or phone. If you can't use a computer, message your teacher for advice. **Do not** sign up for Bandlab. {% endhint %} Please watch the video below. **You can pause it at any time.** {% embed url="" %} ## TASK 5: TRY BANDLAB FOR EDUCATION You **must** watch the video above first. If you are confused, watch part of the video again. 1. Your teacher will give you an **invite code** on Teams. 2. Go to and use the invite code. 3. Sign up using your name, school email address and school password. 4. You don't need to make a profile. ## **YOU ARE FINISHED!** **Good job Year 8! There is nothing to hand in today.** ## **OPTIONAL EXTENSION** Watch this video: