Charms that Soothe: Classical Music and the Narrative Film (Communications and Media Studies) [Paperback]

Dean Duncan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 12, 2003 | Series: Communications and Media Studies (Book 9)

From Chaplin's brilliant use of Wagner in The Gold Rush to the Bach chorale closing Scorsese's Casino, classical music has played a fascinating role in movies. Dean Duncan provides a fresh critical survey of the aesthetics of classical music in film. Exploring tensions between high art and commercial culture, Duncan examines how directors quote themes and classical passages in genres ranging from the Soviet avant garde to Hollywood romances. Drawing on film theory, musicology, and cultural criticism, he clarifies the connections between two very different art forms.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Illuminating . . . original and provocative . . . in the vanguard of film music scholarship." -- Kathryn Kalinak, author of Settling the Score: Classical Music and the Hollywood Film --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Dean Duncan is Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre and Film at Brigham Young University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 211 pages
• Publisher: Fordham University Press; 2 edition (September 12, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823222802
• ISBN-13: 978-0823222803
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,213,118 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great perspective on how music operates in film, August 3, 2005

By 

G. Groberg - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Charms that Soothe: Classical Music and the Narrative Film (Communications and Media Studies) (Hardcover)

Dean's book provides wonderful insight and explanation about the use of source music in films. The book was foundational for me. It helped me understand how film and music function together and convey meaning. And Dean's style, while academic and difficult to read casually, is genuine and sincere. As a musician and filmmaker, this book was very rewarding for me.