How We Negotiate the Meaning of Music in Film

Gustav Holst wrote a symphony based on what he believes would be the feeling of each planet of our known solar system. The song he wrote for Jupiter brings the feeling of a triumphant adventure and that exceptional things must be lurking along the horizon. Jupiter starts off with a violin score that is fast paced and has an exciting sound to it. It then continues on to a variety of french horns playing a quick and miraculous melody. When listening to the beginning of this song, I pictured a ship coming into view on a great expansion of the sea sailing towards land at last. This part of the song would be great for a movie like Pirates of the Carribean. As the song continues it starts to slow down and carry more of a deep feeling and gives the impression that something might be going wrong, or something intense is approaching. This part of the song would be excellent for a film like Indiana Jones, because it has that sense of intense adventure. The song finishes off with more flutes and woodwind instruments as opposed to just the triumphant brass. These new instruments bring a feeling of wonder and have almost a fantasy feel. As a listener, I thought this part of the song would be perfect for a film like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, just for when the children are first entering the factory. Overall Gustav Holst's Jupiter gave the feeling of adventure whether it was full of wonder, intensity or triumph.