Category: Music

In order to create a memorable composition, I needed to research into different composers around the Victorian era, as well as current games with a similar theme. Amelia has already given me some examples of the sort of composition she wants, so I will be listening to the examples and creating my own composition based on the examples Amelia has sent me as well as music from composers of the Victorian era.

The first example that Amelia had sent me was a royalty free composition, from a website, called Relent. The track features a Clarinet and a Harp. The track does have a Victorian feel to it, however, I believe it is quite dull and lifeless. Although I would be using a harp in a similar style for my composition, I did not want it to sound dull or boring. I wanted my composition to be memorable.

Amelia also sent me a few links to a YouTube video. The compositions from Amnesia – A Machine for Pigs has a dark feel to it, which is what I wanted to create with my composition. As the game is a horror game, similar to Amnesia – A Machine for Pigs, I would use the soundtrack for inspiration of my piece.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4Ty-lUMy5k

 

These examples were great inspiration for the opening scene of the game. The composition needs to be dark, intriguing and mysterious.

 

For the gameplay music, I want to create a piece of music similar to the opening scene but much simpler, with a Cello and violin. As the character is searching the grounds for the key, a timer starts. When there is one minute left on the timer, I want the music to change and become quicker in pace and much more dramatic as the time runs out. I will be increasing the tempo from 60 bpm to 120 bpm, making the last 10 seconds full of tension, so the beat matches the seconds.

 

For the winning ending, Amelia said in the meeting that she wanted horns to represent the success, but to also end with mystery and intrigue, as the game is not over yet. For this, I looked at victorian composers, especially Johann Strauss. Many of his compositions featured a fanfare, similar to what I wanted to achieve. Homage to Queen Victoria of Great Britain features a fanfare at the start with french horns. I would be using this example for inspiration for my winning ending composition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B02oDpKGEBM

 

For the fail ending sequence, I needed to create something disturbing, without venturing outside the victorian theme. I wanted to keep all the compositions similar in style so I will use a Cello and harp in the fail sequence, but to create a disturbing drone I will use a synth similar to one used in the Amnesia soundtrack.

 

Other examples of composers I would be using are as follows:

Schubert – ‘Serenade”

Debussy – ‘Prelude to the Afternoon’

 

After reading A Complete Guide to Game Audio by Aaron Marks, I learnt a few valuable lessons. Such as, it is very important to plan your time when composing music, as it is no good leaving it to the last minute. In order to be at your most creative, it is best to surround yourself with the style of music you are composing.

A couple of years ago, I did a heavy metal score. I like metal but I don’t usually listen to it 24 hours a day. During the project, though, it was a completely different story. I played every heavy metal band I could get my hands on – in the car, in the studio, making breakfast, and eating dinner. I did the same thing with an orchestral project recently. By listening to and living the type of music you are composing, you will be able to pick up on the subtle nuances of the style. This focus will help keep things on track and on theme. (Marks, 2009)

 

The book also had some great advice on what to do if I am struggling for ideas, or running out of time.

Whenever you happen to be devoid of ideas or need something with an interesting flair or outside your musical abilities, reach for a loop library and see what happens. I don’t know how many times I’ve stared blank faced at my drums begging them for a good groove. When the don’t answer me, out come the loops and usually in a few minutes, new life is injected into the creative process.

 

Bibliography

Marks, A. (2009) The Complete Guide to Game Audio: For Composers, Musicians, Sound Designers. 2nd ed. Burlington: Focal Press.