George Crumb’s “Black Angels” explores philosophical and mystical themes through a narrative structure. In Crumb’s own description, the work “portrays a voyage of the soul. The three stages of this voyage are Departure (fall from grace), Absence (spiritual annihilation) and Return (redemption).” The programmatic subtitles of Departure, Absence, and Return are clearly modeled on the ones Beethoven used in his piano sonata op. 81a. Crumb infuses this largely atonal piece with allusions to tonal music, including references to Schubert, the “Dies Irae,” Tartini, and more. The piece is imbued with Christian symbolism, with a “black angel” representing the fallen angel. It features contrasting sections like “Devil Music” and “God-Music.” “Black Angels” evokes a dark and intense emotional tone and was seen as reflecting the era’s sensibilities, with its opening likened to the sound of Vietnam War helicopters. The piece has continued to captivate audiences, with numerous performances and recordings, including one by the Kronos Quartet, and its opening featured in the movie “The Exorcist.” It has also influenced musicians like David Bowie and David Harrington.
Premiering in 1970 , “Black Angels” by George Crumb, a Pultizer prize winner, has remained a classic for years, appearing in the soundtracks and literature of horror. Found in the infamous movie, The Exorcist, and novel, Waking the Moon, the electrifying and dark composition has shown Crumb’s ability to use a number of tonal techniques and amplification of instruments to create a terrifying presence. The story created in “Black Angels” follows a story of Departure, Absence, and Return, aligning with previous compositions created by Crumb to portray a mystical narrative. The Kronos Quartet, inspired by George Crumb’s composition, created their own rendition of “Black Angels” and this also marked the creation of the group, further showing the deep effect the composition had on people. The influence of “Black Angels” still makes its presence today and has not dampened in intensity.
Wendy Carlos is a renowned composer who created the scores for two popular movies, A Clockwork Orange and The Shining. She is also well known for her famous album, “Switched-On Bach”, which played a significant role in paving the way for modern artists to use synthesizers.
In addition to her contribution to the music industry, Carlos has been an advocate for transgender issues. As an openly transgender woman, she has talked about her experience in the music industry and the challenges she faced throughout her career. Her advocacy and role in modern music have positively influenced not only the music industry but also generations to come.
Initially starting his career within television in Italy, Ennio Morricone has garther a great responsibility for being behind the soundtracks and scores in over 500 films. Sometimes known as one of the greatest film composers of all time, Morricone was able to create magical pieces with his unique combination of instruments. Rarely creating tunes similar to each other, the elevation of his range drew attention to his work and allowed him to collaborate with famous film directors such as Sergio Leone, Giuseppe Tornatore, and Pier Paolo Pasolini. The distinct individuality and dramatic effect he was able to produce has stuck with the world as they remembered and continue to remember the legacy Ennio Morricone has left behind.
A classic and family favorite, Ghostbusters directed by Ivan Reitman and composed by Elmer Bernstein has been able to capture the attention of many with its famous tune, “Ghostbusters” which makes its anthem every Halloween season. Elmer Bernstein has also been involved in composing over 150 scores for films making his mark in Hollywood history. Some of his works include composing the scores for “The Man With the Golden Arm”, “Walk on the Wildside”, and “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Some of his words during his lifetime show his passion for his work as he said, “I would hope that some of the energy and joy that exists in some of the work would communicate years and years from now”, and we continue to see references to Bernstein work in the modern day.
One of the most successful film composers in history, John Williams has been apart of more than 100 films, a few listed; Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Suite for Orchestra), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Suite for Orchestra), Excerpts from Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Devil’s Dance. He has also obtained “…seven British Academy Awards (BAFTA), 22 Grammys, four Golden Globes, five Emmys, and numerous gold and platinum records” leaving a trail of success behind him. Also receiving the Nation Medal of Arts, Williams has incorporated himself not only in films, but cultural and commemorative events, gaining him a very popular reputation. You cannot think about film music without John Williams being involved.
