UnderScore

When reviewing the century-long tradition of music in cinema, the American Film Institute's selection for 'greatest film score of all time' came as little surprise; it was of course John Williams' score to George Lucas' STAR WARS. For us, this 1977 score is something of a modern miracle - a work whose colossal popularity is matched only by its outstanding quality. Nowhere is that combination more apparent than in the very first piece of underscore, the unforgettable Main Title. Arguably the crown jewel of film music cues (whose original recording broke into the '77 Billboard top 10 [yes, the pop charts!]), this dazzling opening number presents a definitive rendition of the main theme and unequivocally proclaims the tone of the film that follows. We recently had the great fortune to speak with audio legend Alan Snelling, assistant engineer on STAR WARS (as well as THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, RETURN OF THE JEDI, SUPERMAN, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and many others). Here he provides a vivid account of the debut performance of the Main Title and its impact on those to first experience it. [We will continue to hear from Alan throughout our arc of episodes. His full unedited interview will be available later this week on Patreon] We simply can't contain our joy for today's episode - an hourlong exploration into the composition, orchestration, performance and storytelling power of the Main Title. Please join us as we take our "first steps into a larger world". Listen to episode 7m1 The STAR WARS Main Title STAR WARS - John Williams - 1977 - Lucasfilm Ltd./20th Century Fox (George Lucas, dir,) Star Wars: Suite for Orchestra - John Williams Signature Edition - Hal Leonard (conductor score) https://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=4490057&lid=150&keywords=john%20williams%20signature&subsiteid=1& IMDB https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076759/?ref_=nv_sr_5 Alan Snelling  http://www.up4loud.com/ https://soundcloud.com/alan-snelling-1/sets/alan-snelling-music ■ ■ ■ For score reductions, additional links and more, the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast

We've dreamed of these episodes since ever conceiving the podcast... Today we want to offer our thanks for your patience, attention and support by turning to a subject so many of us love like no other: John Williams' score to STAR WARS (1977). Now more than ever we want to remember the original cinematic phenomenon that defied the odds and seemed to unite a jaded, world-weary nation. Now we turn back the clock more than 40 years, to a time when Princess Leia & Luke Skywalker were little more than ideas in the mind of a young & visionary George Lucas; to a decade where a seasoned & sophisticated composer was presented the opportunity of a lifetime. Unbeknownst to either of them, together these two collaborators would create a work that would enrapture their public, transform their industry, and undeniably change the popular culture of their planet. We begin our 5-part series on STAR WARS with a special prologue examining all that happened before John Williams put pencil to paper. We've got so many questions we're dying to ask: What was the state of film music in the late 1970's? What did George Lucas envision musically for his space fantasy? How was Williams uniquely poised to deliver what is arguably the most essential film score of all time? What was the temp score to STAR WARS and who was its author? What of these occasional allegations of copying/borrowing/plagiarism? ... Today we attempt to answer each of these questions and prepare as best as we can for the episodes ahead. We hope to make this series as special & content-rich as possible - we can't wait to share what's in store. May the force be with you! Listen to Prologue: A Long Time Ago...  Rinzler, J.W. The Making of Star Wars New York, NY, Ballantine Books, 2007  Star Wars, Lucas, and Williams: An Introduction https://www.soundtrackpodcast.com/podcasts/star-wars-lucas-and-williams-an-introduction.htm ■ ■ ■ For score reductions, additional links and more, the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast

Today we look at a delightful tradition of cinematic storytelling, one we find at the very beginning of our favorite films: studio logos. These jingles & fanfares are the anthems of Hollywood industry and have been crafted by our most beloved screen composers. We chronicle this unique musical art form from the dawn of sound-film to the present day, uncovering much about the evolution of cinema in the process. What were initially war cries on the battlefield of early Hollywood eventually evolved into tiny hymns celebrating the wonder of moviegoing. Today's episode brings together almost too many legendary composers to mention: Alfred Newman, Max Steiner, John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Danny Elfman, Hans Zimmer, Michael Kamen (to name but a few). Put on your headphones and take a trip down memory-lane with us as we celebrate the past & present (and try our best to contain our anticipation for the next film subject...). Enjoy! Listen to Reel Change: Logos  Classic Film and TV Studio Signature Logos http://www.classicthemes.com/studioLogos.shtml ■ ■ ■ For score reductions, additional links and more, the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast

We are pleased to finally present our feature-length audio commentary to The Incredibles (2004). Let's all unleash our inner Supers and race head-on into one of the most perfect pieces of cinema of the 21st century. Thank you for your Incredi-patience in this series of episodes on Michael Giacchino's breakthrough cinematic debut - a score that is as potent & powerful today as it ever was. Music that... ah, you caught us monologuing again. Here we go - on with the show! Listen to episode 6m4 The Incredibles Audio Commentary The Incredibles - Michael Giacchino - 2004 - Pixar Animation Studios (Brad Bird, dir,) The Incredibles (Music from the Motion Picture) https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-incredibles-music-from-the-motion-picture/161398291 IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317705/ ■ ■ ■ For score reductions, additional links and more, the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast

We've come at very long last to our third Incredi-Episode - it's another "spotting session". As in the past, once again we move cue by cue, reflecting on each piece of underscore in our film subject. Along the way we explore the air-tight, impeccably balanced story beats of Brad Bird's modern-day masterpiece and reveal the always deft, story-wise hand of composer Michael Giacchino. This is a score brimming with color, melody and superhero-sized heart. On our previous episode we identified and celebrated the many character themes & variations from The Incredibles; today we uncover just how Giacchino artfully weaves them into the fabric of the finished film. What a treat! [A special note: it has truly pained us to have been away from producing the show for so long. We apologize for the unexpected & unprecedented hiatus. We're doing everything we can to bring our weekly show back on schedule and cannot thank you enough for your patience - you are the Supers!] Listen to episode 6m3 The Incredible Spotting Session The Incredibles - Michael Giacchino - 2004 - Pixar Animation Studios (Brad Bird, dir,) The Incredibles (Music from the Motion Picture) https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-incredibles-music-from-the-motion-picture/161398291 IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317705/ ■ ■ ■ For score reductions, additional links and more, the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast  

Our second episode focused on The Incredibles (2004) explores the wonderful themes at the heart of Michael Giacchino's score. We first discuss the two central motifs (which we call Main Theme and Main Fanfare) and reveal how they influence the character of the entire underscore. While perhaps lesser known, we dive into the wonderful character themes Giacchino composed for each member of the 'family of supers' - the outwardly shy and inwardly courageous Violet; the optimistic and irrepressible Dash; the brave and resourceful Helen 'Elastigirl' Parr. We also delight in Michael's theme for Incrediboy, music that at first seems sweet and innocent but foreshadows something sinister. Grab your earbuds and your supersuits, we're in for a rollicking ride. #nocapes Listen to episode 6m2 Incredible Themes The Incredibles - Michael Giacchino - 2004 - Pixar Animation Studios (Brad Bird, dir,) -Logos -The Glory Days -Meet Elastigirl -Adventure Calling -Bob vs. The Omnidroid -Violet's In Charge -100 Mile Dash -A Whole Family of Supers -Road Trip! -Saving Metroville -Incredible Success -The Incredits IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317705/ ■ ■ ■ For score reductions, additional links and more, the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast  

We're so jazzed to unveil our next topic - Michael Giacchino's score to The Incredibles. Written & directed by Brad Bird and produced by Pixar Animation studios in 2004, this super-sized supermovie brings a great many firsts to the podcast (our first animated feature, first Pixar film, first work from Michael Giacchino). Today we explore the swanky sound of this unique score and discuss the tradition that so inspires its spy vs spy style. Michael Giacchino's path to The Incredibles is an adventure story itself, full of unlikely origins and a true hero's call (this time to follow in the footsteps of a living Double-O legend). Sit back and enjoy - it's fun for the whole family of supers! Listen to episode 6m1 The Sound of The Incredibles The Incredibles - Michael Giacchino - 2004 - Pixar Animation Studios (Brad Bird, dir,) -Logos -The Glory Days -Off To Work -Incredible Success -The Incredits IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317705/ ■ ■ ■ For score reductions, additional links and more, the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast  

After an overlong break, we're happy to be back on air with possibly our most joyful episode. Today's Reel Change is devoted to the phenomenal tradition of Cartoon Music. We trace the roots of this great art to the historic partnership of Walt Disney & Carl Stalling and the earliest days of recorded music for film. We chronicle the evolution of score for animation and the transformational techniques pioneered by the CartoonMusic masters. Many of films' greatest composers have added to the Cartoon corpus - today is also a tasting tour of some delightful cues from Williams, Broughton, Goldsmith, Silvestri and more. Enjoy! Listen to Reel Change: Cartoon Music  For score reductions, additional links and more, the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com

Without further ado we present our feature-length audio commentary to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). It has been our great honor for the past several weeks to examine and celebrate what may possibly be the most perfect score yet composed for cinema. Flashlights and Reese's Pieces at the ready, there's something in the shadows... a stranger... a searcher... a friend. Let's watch! Listen to episode 5m4 Audio Commentary for E.T. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - John Williams - 1982 - Universal Pictures (Steven Spielberg, dir,) Extra-Terrestrial (The 20th Anniversary) Original Motion Picture Soundtrack https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/e-t-the-extra-terrestrial-the-20th-anniversary/id1951771 IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083866/ E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert http://filmconcertslive.com/movies/e-t-extra-terrestrial/ ■ ■ ■ For score reductions, additional links and more, the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast  

Today's spotting session was produced with no small amount of labor and love. From beginning to end we discuss each instance of underscore in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, hopefully contextualizing this powerful music along with the cinematic narrative it supports. Steeped in the collection of thematic material we covered last week, we now explore just how those melodic threads are woven into the fabric of the complete film and hopefully illuminate the rich tapestry of music throughout. Today's episode also includes very poignant thoughts on the score from our recent guest - composer, orchestrator, and John Williams collaborator Conrad Pope. While we fully expected that combing through the music of E.T. cue by cue would be an emotionally powerful experience, it has been rewarding beyond our imagining. Please enjoy! Listen to episode 5m3 Spotting Session for E.T. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - John Williams - 1982 - Universal Pictures (Steven Spielberg, dir,) Extra-Terrestrial (The 20th Anniversary) Original Motion Picture Soundtrack https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/e-t-the-extra-terrestrial-the-20th-anniversary/id1951771 IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083866/ E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert http://filmconcertslive.com/movies/e-t-extra-terrestrial/ ■ ■ ■ For score reductions, additional links and more, the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast  

We continue our journey through John Williams' score to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial by focusing on the many additional themes that populate the film. While perhaps best remembered for the themes featured in last week's episode (Flying theme, the Call), E.T. contains a wealth and diversity of iconic music. Remarkably, the majority of the thematic material emphasizes an important melodic gesture - the ascending perfect fifth. We explore how masterfully Williams distinguishes these disparate motives while simultaneously binding them together in the narrative fabric of the underscore. We endeavor to name the many iconic melodies that recur throughout the film; 'Danger', 'Friendship', 'Mystery', 'Searching', 'E.T.'s Antics', 'Earth', 'Awe', 'Goodbye' and 'Triumph'. Swimming through this rich #moviemusic has been an absolute pleasure. Ready the Reese's Pieces and enjoy! Listen to episode 5m2 Additional Themes from E.T. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - John Williams - 1982 - Universal Pictures (Steven Spielberg, dir,) Extra-Terrestrial (The 20th Anniversary) Original Motion Picture Soundtrack https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/e-t-the-extra-terrestrial-the-20th-anniversary/id1951771 IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083866/ E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert http://filmconcertslive.com/movies/e-t-extra-terrestrial/ ■ ■ ■ For score reductions, additional links and more, the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast  

Today we begin what may likely be our most meaningful set of episodes; a month devoted to John Williams' score to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. In the year it was released, the score won the Academy Award, Golden Globe, two Grammy Awards and the BAFTA and has since been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the top 25 greatest American movie scores of all time. E.T. is one of the few film scores performed live to picture, with an ongoing concert schedule around the world. For us the film has been a deeply essential part of our lives and its music remains a constant & profound inspiration. We feel lighter than air to be able to share our love and fascination with Williams' classic score, starting with an exploration of the film's anthem - The Flying Theme. Listen to episode 5m1 The Flying Theme from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - John Williams - 1982 - Universal Pictures (Steven Spielberg, dir,) -The Flying Theme -The Magic of Halloween -Far From Home/E.T. Alone Extra-Terrestrial (The 20th Anniversary) Original Motion Picture Soundtrack https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/e-t-the-extra-terrestrial-the-20th-anniversary/id1951771 IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083866/ E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert http://filmconcertslive.com/movies/e-t-extra-terrestrial/ ■ ■ ■ For score reductions, additional links and more, the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- to support the show, please visit www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast  

Hi everyone! We wanted to check in and provide a quick behind the scenes update. We've gotten just a bit behind with our production duties for the show and there won't be a full episode this week. If you'd be at all interested in supporting the show, starting today there will be a Patreon page for UnderScore (see link below). We've attempted to offer reward tiers that would hopefully offer some value for listeners without adding any further production delays to the podcast. Thank you to all who listen, we are continually amazed at the remarkable community of those who love music and story.                                                                                                        Listen to Update https://www.patreon.com/underscorepodcast For score reductions, additional links and more,the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com  

We are thrilled to share our conversation with composer/orchestrator/conductor Conrad Pope. Known throughout Hollywood for his deep musical knowledge and artistry, Conrad is an outstanding composer for cinema and one of the most in-demand orchestrators and conductors in the business. He has participated in well over a hundred films, working for composers John Williams, Alexandre Desplat, James Newton Howard, Jerry Goldsmith, James Horner, Alan Silvestri, Danny Elfman, John Powell and Hans Zimmer. 

A small sampling of the truly classic cinema Pope has contributed to: the Star Wars series, the Harry Potter series, The Hobbit series, Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Matrix films, Argo, The Rocketeer, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Polar Express, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Life of Pi, Sleepy Hollow, The Tree of Life, The Adventures of Tintin and most recently, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. His acclaimed work as a composer includes My Week With Marilyn, The Wolfman, Ghost Ship and the documentary Tim’s Vermeer, to name but a few scores. In addition to his very busy schedule composing, orchestrating and conducting (in studio and on stage), Conrad will be once again teaching courses this summer for the Hollywood Music Workshop outside of Vienna, in Baden Austria. We are extremely pleased to invite Conrad to the show. What transpires in today's episode is a Film Music conversation that is riveting, hilarious and deeply moving. Enjoy!                                                                                                        Listen to Interview: Conrad Pope Pavillion of Women - Conrad Pope - Universal Focus (Yim Ho, dir.)   -Together Forever Empire of the Sun - John Williams - Amblin Entertainment (Steven Spielberg, dir.)   -The Plane Project: Metalbeast - Conrad Pope - Prism Pictures (Alessandro De Gaetano, dir.)   -Deadly Chase Ghost Ship - Conrad Pope - Sandtrap Productions (James T. Flocker, dir.)   -All's Well The Boss Baby - additional music by Conrad Pope - Dream Works Animation (Tom McGrath, dir.)   -Love Tim's Vermeer - Conrad Pope - Sony Pictures Classics (Teller, dir.)   -Tim's Theme My Week With Marilyn - Conrad Pope - The Weinstein Company (Simon Curtis, dir.)   -Marilyn on the Town Pavillion of Women - Conrad Pope - Universal Focus (Yim Ho, dir.)   -The Embrace  http://conradpopemusic.com/ http://hollywoodmusicworkshop.com/ For score reductions, additional links and more, the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com  

It's part 2 of Reel Change: The Orchestra and we've invited a special guest to join the podcast - our brother and percussionist extraordinaire Karl Brueggemann. Previously we walked through the String and Wind choirs and today we explore orchestral Brass and Percussion. Get to know the unique timbres of some of the leading lights of film music. From ancient drums to cutting edge synthesizers, the band of instruments behind the Hollywood Sound is dazzling and diverse. Enjoy! Listen to Reel Change: The Orchestra For score reductions, additional links and more, the discussion continues at: www.underscorepodcast.com