Music review of the theme music for Schindler’s list

Composed and conducted by John Williams

Violin solos by Itzhak Perlman

I was struck by the emotional intensity and strength of this piece of music; its passion and power resonated with me. As soon as the violin plays the first note, it sounds as if it is weeping and is immensely expressive.

This is a melodic classical piece, expertly played and beautifully expressed, which pulls at the heart, stirring the emotions. It is beautiful and masterful, and structurally not over complex, allowing the artistry of the violin solo to stand out. The piece is mainly in D minor and A, which persist throughout and create an underlying sense of doom.

The theme music’s sombre tone reflects the mood of this film, with melancholy repeated melodies and counter melodies using minor keys to create an anticipation of poignancy and sadness.

Perlman’s violin solo, supported by strings, woodwind and harp, initially repeats a fairly simple and effective melody, first low, then lifting to an octave higher, increasing the sense of suspense and drama, and using expressive vibrato.

The central section develops from the repeated melodies and is emotive and distressing, using notes held slightly longer to increase the anticipation and suspense to a heightened emotional crescendo. The tension of the solo here expresses the sadness of the film and prepares the listener for the intensity of its tragedy, using ominous chords and a haunting melody.

Following on from the central violin solo, the piece resolves back to the theme, with a depressing aura, perfectly expressing the film’s tragic subject. I find it very rare that a film score catches the emotion so accurately and has such memorable melodies, but John Williams consistently manages to achieve this.

Supporting Statement

Overview of musical background

I started playing guitar around 15 years ago and had lessons at school on acoustic guitar – which I didn’t really enjoy and stopped the lessons. However I had not given up on the guitar, and bought an electric guitar the next year, and have played consistently since then.

I studied music at GCSE level, and Music Tech at A level which included some musical theory study. I then went on to study a BTEC in Music tech at City College, and progressed to FDA at Northbrook from 2014-16, where I learned about recording, mixing and mastering.

I developed a band with other former students between my time at City College and at Northbrook, and we played live gigs in many small venues around Brighton and in other parts of the UK. Throughout the time since my A levels, I have been mixing recording and writing music and continue to do this.

Instrumental and compositional tuition

I have had very little formal training but have developed my knowledge of playing instruments and composition through doing it, and have on occasions used some online tutorials for inspiration.

In recent years therefore it has mostly been informal learning, listening to the work of other musicians, deconstructing pieces to understand how they were played.

Other interests within this context

I use a lot of sample instruments and have scripted a couple of my own Kontakt instruments. I found both sampling and scripting particularly interesting and would like to do more of this.

I have a wide range of interests – from sampling to playing real instruments, Foley, rock, game music, film score, metal/classical, playing with sound, creating, writing and mixing. I only have one certainty, which is music and audio are my most important life interests.

Professional music aspirations in near future

Although I have many interests, I would love to have one of my compositions used in TV or film, but of course to work professionally with audio in any capacity would be a step in the right direction.

Why you want to do the course.

I want to learn about sound design and music for different media, film/gaming/tv and most particularly to have the benefit of professional input from academic staff who work in the field.

The course could be a good opportunity for me to develop industry contacts and knowledge.

I also want to learn from fellow students – what work they’re doing, what they think of what I am doing. Feedback from people who are not necessarily into the same genres as I am, would be helpful.

Also to learn about the context of the work – what have other professionals done in the past, what can I learn from seeing their development.

I was interested by the option module as it might be helpful to look at film or other media from a different angle.

Audio Works

Here is a short compilation of a few of my more recent compositions, all also mixed by me