It’s no secret that music in movies can not only make a movie, but can inspire us as musicians to reach deeper, practice harder, and play better long after we walk out of the theater. I have a long list of movie scores that inspire me personally, and I’ll bet you do, too. Tron: Legacy is the latest, and here’s why.
French duo Daft Punk composed the soundtrack, and while the original Tron soundtrack from 1982 tried hard to be “techno-pop”, this one seamlessly incorporates the “tech sound” with an 85-piece orchestra. The result is gorgeous, feeling right in the movie, in the videogame (yes, we now own it as well), and in passive-listening-mode at home and in the car. They just nailed it.
Here’s what may be the sweetest part: right now, it’s only $4.99 for the entire MP3 album! To browse, take a test listen, or to buy, click the link below. (Warning: amazing music follows!)
Don’t say I didn’t warn you. More movie music reviews to follow. Remember, good music and inspiration are where you find them!
For those of you who may be expecting a lawyer joke, this article might be a bit of a disappointment. If you’re interested in that kind of thing – and hey, who doesn’t like a good joke? – please feel free to leave one as a comment. That said, the topic du jour is Part-Time Musicians who just happen to practice law as a day job. Couldn’t see that one coming, could you?!?!
The LA Lawyers Philharmonic
This article tells of the Los Angeles Lawyers Philharmonic Orchestra, the only orchestra in the USA known to comprise solely attorneys. Whether as judge, prosecutor, or defense attorney, being a legal profession can produce a lot of stress…and playing an instrument can help relieve that stress by focusing the mind (and body) on a creative activity far different from one’s “daily duties”. What better creative activity than music?
Below are two videos of LA Lawyers Phil performances for your enjoyment. Bravo!
Whatever your profession, music offers an outlet for talents you may not be able to fully express in your “day job”. Don’t be afraid to share your talents! By doing so, you make the world a far richer place for all of us.
Several years ago, I resumed playing trumpet after about 20 years (!) away from the horn. As I’ve mentioned before, I was surprised at what I remembered…and also at what I had forgotten. I was never that good at transposition before, but upon returning to playing, it looked like a steep uphill climb.
At that point, I worked through the basic concepts of it with a good friend and musician (horn/trumpet – thanks, Steve!) and found this helpful document online: Dr. Gary Wurtz’s Transposition Issues page. What a lifesaver! A printed copy of Dr. Wurtz’s transposition chart was a key part of my gear my first full season back with an orchestra.
I recently rediscovered that worn copy, and after finding its current home online, I’m sharing it with you in the hope that you might find it useful as well. If you’re returning to orchestral trumpeting after some time away, or if you just want to verify your grasp of transposition, this is a great document to have.
Transposition is a big subject that affects many instruments (and instrumentalists!), and this is only a small segment of that topic…but more is on the way! In the meantime, if you have anything you’d like to share about your transposition trials and triumphs, please post a comment or drop us a line! We’d love to hear from you.
Keep playing (in whatever key!),
Mark
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More movie music reviews to follow. Remember, good music and inspiration are where you find them!
Inspiration, Movie & TV Music, Orchestra | Mark January 2, 2011 | 
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That said, the topic du jour is Part-Time Musicians who just happen to practice law as a day job. Couldn’t see that one coming, could you?!?!
