INTRODUCTION TO FILM MUSIC (Book)

(*This is a book in Japanese)
For example, scenes of Godzilla destroying cities. Battle scenes from Gundam or Evangelion. Sailor Moon's transformation sequences. The criminal pursuit scenes in "Taiyo ni Hoero!"...
We now unravel the "sound design" of the masterpieces you loved.

Soundtrack music refers to the background music played in anime, movies, and dramas. It's music meant to be heard alongside visuals, and could be called constrained music created under various limitations. Yet, precisely because of those constraints, it also becomes free and challenging music.

Soundtrack music is rarely listened to consciously. Still, the soundtrack music from visual works we became engrossed in is unknowingly etched into our memories. Reading this book will surely surprise you as the music from various scenes begins to play in your mind. Soundtrack music is also a "time machine" that revives memories of visual works. And if you listen closely to that music, you'll notice it incorporates ingenuity and experimental techniques not found in ordinary music.

This book is the first introductory guide to explain the unique characteristics and appeal of such film and TV music. It traces the development from the origins of film music, the roots of this genre, through how Japanese film and TV music evolved using it as a model, and finally how it acquired its own distinct style, all illustrated with numerous examples.

Furthermore, while Japanese anime soundtrack music has gained popularity overseas in recent years, this book focuses on the music of TV dramas and anime as the key to unlocking its secrets. What ingenious approaches have composers taken for TV drama soundtracks, which face even more constraints than film? How ambitious has the music become to express the worldviews of anime? By tracing the composers' journey of challenges, we delve into the appeal of Japanese soundtrack music that has captivated the world.


[Author Profile]
Haramakineko
Soundtrack album compiler and writer. Has been involved in the production of over 400 soundtrack albums. Major works include the CD "Mobile Suit Gundam: Complete Music Collection (TV Series/Theatrical Version)" (co-compiled with Ryusuke Hikawa) and the book "Super Anime Song Composer: The Complete Works of Chuumei Watanabe" (Tatsumi Publishing).

(From the Table of Contents)
Chapter 1: What Exactly Is Film Music?
Chapter 2: The Establishment of Film Music: "King Kong" and "Godzilla"
Chapter 3: The Challenge of Television Music: "The Jungle Emperor Leo" and "Ultra Seven"
Chapter 4: Jazz & Rock: Resistance and Rebellion: "Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow Joe)" and "Taiyo ni Hoero!"
Chapter 5: The Departure of Anime Music: "Umi no Triton (Triton of the Sea)" and "Space Battleship Yamato (Star Blazers)"
Chapter 6: Innovation in the Soundtrack Business: "The Inugami Family" and "Mobile Suit Gundam"
Chapter 7: Music Creating Alternate Worlds: "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" and "AKIRA"
Chapter 8: The Era of Returning to the Mainstream and Leaping Forward: "Sailor Moon" and "Neon Genesis Evangelion"
Chapter 9: Contemporary Film Scores: "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba", "Godzilla Minus One", "Liz and the Blue Bird"

288 Pages
ISBN-10: 4797681705
ISBN-13: 978-4797681703
Weight: 180g
Size: 10.6 x 1.3 x 17.3 cm