The singing and music in West Side Story foreshadows and supports the scenes while different lyrics are used to give other meanings to the songs. They used the songs to communicate their feelings and emotions and also in the action scenes. The flute was always foreshadowing the happy feelings and followed by a love song, whereas the base was used for suspense before a fight scene. The song "Tonight" was used during the balcony scene with a flute supporting the melody. In contrary, "The Rumble" was played after the gang leaders draw their switchblades, which included a lot of base and low sounds foreshadowing the two deaths that followed. Furthermore the song "America" was sung to show how happy the girls were in New York, but it was also played when Anita was raped by the Jets, when she wanted to create peace. In conclusion different instruments were used to create different moods to the audience and songs were repeated to give other meanings.
How could music be used to support Act 3 Scene 1 when Tybalt and Mercutio fight, and would you choose different music than they used in West Side Story?
How could songs have been used to communicate long speeches like Friar Lawerence's in Act 3 Scene 3?
Sulaiman, Yasmin. West Side Story/ The List. Digital image. The List. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
1. A stressful beat would add the tension and apprehension, making the audience more on edge.
ReplyDelete2. He could have had a passionate song including all of the main points and a catchy chorus would express the message more directly,
ambre
1. Drum beats to seek attention and every time it could change with a twist so that the audience gets involved.
ReplyDelete2. He could have a catchy song and which will also express the meaning and also keep audience involved in his speech.
1. dramatic music, really deep, without a singer and with a lot of beats to let the audience know, that it is a dangerous situation. Also, make short changes from fast to slow, to make it more interesting for the audience.
ReplyDelete2. I would give a song which tunes from slow, where he talks about his understanding of the situation unit fast, where he is passioned and worried about the future.
Caroline Werner
1. Different set of tune at each twist to maintain the audiences attention, such as a loud sound occurring at an unexpected moment.
ReplyDelete2. The person could sing a song where it explains the situation very well, with different switches of tone, in order to keep the audience listening
Ruben