The allure of a great movie soundtrack lies in its ability to become an integral part of the film’s legacy. It can create an immersive experience that transports us to specific moments in a scene or evoke emotions that are tied to the story. A memorable theme or melody can become synonymous with the characters and the story they inhabit, etching its way into popular culture.
These scores are sometimes as iconic as the movie they accompany, and tribute concerts celebrating famous soundtracks are now more popular than ever before. This season, Candlelight is celebrating epic soundtracks from beloved Studio Ghibli films and guilty pleasures like Bridgerton. As you’re surrounded by a sea of flickering candles, you can take in the beauty of these nostalgic tunes in a breathtaking setting.
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Featured Candlelight soundtrack concert
Candlelight Downtown LA: Best of Joe Hisaishi
Known for his numerous collaborations with Studio Ghibli, particularly the movies directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Joe Hisaishi’s music blends a range of genres to create memorable scores. With a mix of classical music, Japanese folk music and a minimalist approach, his compositions evoke nostalgia and a sense of adventure.
This season, you can hear some of his best work, including the pieces from created for Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Ponyo, recreated at Zipper Concert Hall. The talented musicians of Orchid Quartet will take you on an unforgettable music journey, guided by the twinkling lights of thousands of candles.
All upcoming Candlelight soundtrack tribute concerts
Where to see live film score concerts in L.A.
Some of the city’s most popular venues, including the Historic Women’s Club and Old Town Music Hall, have hosted a range of Candlelight tributes to your favorite soundtracks and anime themes.
Similarly to the Hollywood Bowl and Royce Hall, these spaces come alive with the melodies of some of the best film scores of all time composed by the likes of Joe Hisaishi and John Williams. Whether you want to disconnect for an hour or share this special evening with a loved one, these concerts offer unique outings where you can just relax and take in the music.
“I think it’s great to see that there is such a connection to film music and the way people react or connect to a character or scene.” – Ramin Djawadi
How do great soundtracks help storytelling in film?
Sense of Time and Place
If nothing else, music plays a crucial role in setting the scene for a movie. For instance, set in the 1860s, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a spaghetti Western film that incorporates whistling, yodeling and gunfire in its soundtrack. Esteemed Italian composer Ennio Morricone scored the movie and included these sounds to evoke images of the American Southwest, including dry, desert landscapes, old, wooden taverns and cowboy shootouts.
Mood and Atmosphere
No matter a film’s genre, music in a movie can elevate almost any scene. What’s funny becomes even more hilarious when a cheery tune pokes fun at a comedy’s protagonist, and what’s scary feels even more terrifying when menacing melodies begin to sound. Take “Tubular Bells” from The Exorcist for example. As soon as we hear the sinister score, an eerie atmosphere is created and we instantly find ourselves on the edge of our seats.
A Fun Film Score Fact
Released in 1997 as the theme for Titanic, Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” topped the charts in over 25 countries and won an Oscar, Golden Globe and four Grammys. However, Director James Cameron was initially opposed to the idea of including a pop song in his drama. We can’t imagine watching the movie without hearing those lyrical notes that evoke a sense of longing. What’s more, the song has taken a life of its own now and is considered one of the greatest love songs of all time. Close call Cameron!