RTA 180: Assignment 5
1.
Read chapter 2 of Buhler and Neumeyer, and Demeer (2010), then using one of the
following three sequences, analyze the sound track using least five of those musical
terms explored in the chapter.
Sequence: Le Samouraï
The soundtrack
Le Samouraï (1967)
, can be understood by analyzing musical terms in the
reading,
Buhler and Neumeyer, and Demeer (2010)
. In the clip, volume has been demonstrated
with some parts being softer, and some being louder. Volume can be demonstrated as the music
got louder as the man began testing each key to see which would work, and became softer when
the man got away. The music in the clip was played by an orchestra, which included various
types of string instruments. The combination of the string instruments sets the ominous and
underlying mood for the film, keeping the audience engaged. The tempo of the music is
relatively slow, creating suspense and tension in the scene. The melody played by strings is
repetitive, and is accompanied previously by what seems to be a synthesizer in the background of
the clip. A synthesizer can create a wide range of sounds such as textured sounds. The textured
sounds in the clip can be heard in polyphonic chords (0:30-0:45), combining two or more tones
or melodic lines to create a mood by the supporting notes. The soundtrack of the clip draws the
attention of the audience through the organization of musical terms.
