COLOR is an interesting word. In Art, it can mean different VARIATIONS of pigment as seen in nature or the color wheel. Other meanings also denote VARIATIONS, but in MUSIC could be in sounds or dynamics, in POETRY and PROSE could mean variations in tone or word choices. Usually, COLOR means seeing extra depth of BEAUTY.
Artists and designers talk about COLOR THEORY all the time. They make choices based on what they have learned about CONTRASTING (colors opposite on the color wheel), MONOCHROMATIC (using only a few similar hues), or PRIMARY (using red, yellow and blue or colors all in the same SATURATED TEMPERATURE) color schemes.
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.
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.
When writing songs for a musical, successful composers try to come up with THEMES to set the tone of the story, to identify characters, and to move the plot along. Even in Children’s Shows that rarely have UNDERSCORING even during action sequences, musical themes help deepen the understanding of the audience and give them clues about the characters' emotions.
"A Successor to the Throne” is a Children’s Musical that just cries out for COLOR. Studying the costumes and architectural styles of ancient China give plenty of ideas for use in mounting a production. Ancient Chinese dances employed the use of dance props such as parasols, ribbon wands, dance fans or scarves. Children can learn simple techniques using these to create beautiful visual pictures on stage. Imperial pageantry calls out for dramatic instrumentation such as gongs and bells. Pentatonic scale tricks also help place this story squarely in ancient China.
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
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
Enjoy!
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