As You Like It Original Music
Presentation Type
Performance
Keywords
Music, Theatre, Composition, Shakespeare, Songs, COVID-19, Electronic Music
Department
Theater Arts
Major
Music Composition and Advertising
Abstract
Music for the As You Like It Shakespeare production was composed to bring the forest of Arden to life in an online environment. Lyrics from Shakespeare’s script were set to music for the cast to sing, along with underscore, transitional elements, and diegetic music. Several big ideas informed the creation of the music. Firstly, biophilic composition evoked the forest of Arden through the use of layered cello extended technique recordings and electronic instruments and effects. Secondly, musical sampling was used to create nostalgia and contrast between old and new art. Thirdly, Shakespeare’s lyrics were juxtaposed against images depicting pandemic themes like the inability to connect with other people, and the need to find escape into a creative space represented by the forest of Arden. The musical style enhanced themes present in the play with musical influence from 70s disco, mid 80s techno, 50s crooner jazz, contemporary classical music and extended techniques, and modern Electronic Dance Music. The result was a unique but consistent sound which created an atmosphere that was simultaneous natural and digital, while fulfilling the technical and aesthetic needs for each scene.
Faculty Mentor
Hollace Starr
Start Date
23-4-2021 4:30 PM
End Date
23-4-2021 4:45 PM
As You Like It Original Music
Music for the As You Like It Shakespeare production was composed to bring the forest of Arden to life in an online environment. Lyrics from Shakespeare’s script were set to music for the cast to sing, along with underscore, transitional elements, and diegetic music. Several big ideas informed the creation of the music. Firstly, biophilic composition evoked the forest of Arden through the use of layered cello extended technique recordings and electronic instruments and effects. Secondly, musical sampling was used to create nostalgia and contrast between old and new art. Thirdly, Shakespeare’s lyrics were juxtaposed against images depicting pandemic themes like the inability to connect with other people, and the need to find escape into a creative space represented by the forest of Arden. The musical style enhanced themes present in the play with musical influence from 70s disco, mid 80s techno, 50s crooner jazz, contemporary classical music and extended techniques, and modern Electronic Dance Music. The result was a unique but consistent sound which created an atmosphere that was simultaneous natural and digital, while fulfilling the technical and aesthetic needs for each scene.