Color theory principles can also apply to MUSIC and the other arts. For example composers try to use CONTRASTS, TONE VALUES, and LIKE or DISSIMILAR INSTRUMENT CHARACTERISTICS for interest and variation. They also use TEMPERATURE VALUES in PHRASING, building to a CLIMAX, and for DYNAMICS.
When writing musical settings for lyrics, composers may try to WORD PAINT. They try to translate the meanings of the words into matching musical ideas. Some composers are extremely good at this. Others, not so much. And sometimes, as in the case of hymn texts, some are matched with hymn tunes that seem to have no relation to the meaning of the texts at all.
Writing this Musical was quite satisfying because it offered so many ways to make it COLORFUL! For example, some of the THEMES in this show illustrate emotions such as:
ANTICIPATION —- “Successor to the Throne’” sung by children
MELANCHOLY — “Autumn Lingers on the Breeze” sung by Mothers
DISCOURAGEMENT —- “O Little Seed” sung by Deshi
LONGING —- ”Wintertime” sung by children