In adventure stories, theme songs and leitmotifs play an essential role in enhancing the overall storytelling experience for the audience. Theme songs and leitmotifs are musical phrases that are associated with specific characters, places, or events in a story. In an adventure story, these musical elements can help to create a more immersive and emotional experience for the audience. In this essay, we will explore the importance of theme songs and leitmotifs in adventure stories and how they contribute to the overall impact of the story.
Protoman, Megaman’s brother and Dr. Light’s first robot, has a leitmotif that evokes a sense of retrospective.
Firstly, theme songs and leitmotifs can be used to establish a character's personality or to create an emotional connection with the audience. For instance, the theme song of Indiana Jones is iconic and is often associated with the adventurous and daring personality of the character. The theme song establishes the tone for the story and helps the audience connect with the character on a deeper level. Similarly, leitmotifs can be used to create a specific emotional response in the audience. For example, the leitmotif associated with the location of Mordor in the Lord of the Rings series is ominous and foreboding, which creates a sense of danger and impending doom.
Take Protoman, for example. The melody of Protoman's theme song is instantly recognizable. The opening notes of the song are immediately associated with the character, and the melody has become synonymous with his image. The melody is composed of a repeating four-note sequence that creates a sense of momentum and energy, perfectly capturing Protoman's adventurous and daring spirit. The instrumentation of the song is carefully selected to complement the melody. The song begins with a simple acoustic guitar riff, which is later joined by electric guitars and drums. The instrumentation perfectly captures the mix of adventure and danger that is present in Protoman's character, with the acoustic guitar representing his more adventurous side and the electric guitars and drums representing the danger he faces.
Secondly, theme songs and leitmotifs can be used to build tension and anticipation in the story. By using musical cues, the audience can anticipate a particular event or action. For example, the Jaws theme song is famous for creating tension and suspense leading up to a shark attack. The audience knows that when they hear the iconic theme song, something is about to happen, which creates a sense of anticipation and excitement.
The Babylon Rogues' theme from Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity is a bombastic piece of video game music that perfectly captures the thrill of high-speed racing and the rebellious spirit of the Babylon Rogues themselves. The instrumentation of the song is key to its bombastic nature. The song features a driving beat that is reminiscent of rock and roll, with electric guitars, drums, and other instruments creating a high-energy sound that perfectly captures the sense of speed and excitement that is central to Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. The use of synths and electronic elements also helps to give the song a futuristic edge that complements the game's setting and aesthetic. The song's melody is catchy and memorable. The repeating four-note sequence that makes up the song's main melody is simple but effective, and it immediately captures the listener's attention. The melody is then built upon with additional instruments and harmonies that create a sense of depth and complexity, making the song all the more impressive.
Thirdly, theme songs and leitmotifs can help to create a sense of continuity and cohesion in a story. By using musical cues to link different scenes or characters together, the audience can follow the story more easily. For example, in the Star Wars franchise, each character has their own unique leitmotif, which helps the audience identify who is on screen even if they are not visible. This creates a sense of continuity and cohesion throughout the story, making it easier for the audience to follow the plot.
Finally, theme songs and leitmotifs can be used to enhance the emotional impact of a story. By associating a particular musical phrase with a significant event or emotional moment, the audience can experience a deeper emotional response. For example, in the movie Up, the theme song is used to evoke a sense of nostalgia and emotional connection between the two main characters. The use of the theme song in this context enhances the emotional impact of the story, making it more memorable and impactful.
In conclusion, theme songs and leitmotifs are an essential component of adventure stories. They can help to establish character personalities, build tension and anticipation, create continuity and cohesion, and enhance the emotional impact of the story. By using musical cues to link different aspects of the story together, the audience can experience a more immersive and emotional storytelling experience. Therefore, it is crucial for writers, directors, and composers to consider the use of theme songs and leitmotifs carefully in adventure stories.
So why did I just write a long, probably annoying-to-read essay about theme songs? I want to commission a theme song for Azure Epoch. I’m thinking of going to Fiverr to ask someone to do a theme inspired by JRPG games - Azure Epoch is HIGHLY inspired by 90’s anime and JRPGs - but thinking of the what made me want to write about why theme songs are important.