From suspense and excitement to romance and heartache, movie scores can evoke a range of emotions when we’re watching a film. Sinister sounds in horror movies can put us on the edge of our seat, while a cheesy melody in a corny rom-com can make us burst out in laughter.
Unquestionably, soundtracks form an essential part of the movie experience, and tribute concerts celebrating these iconic songs and themes have surged in popularity in recent years. This season, the mesmerizing Candlelight concerts are also giving epic soundtracks and theme songs their flowers. You can catch an elegant tribute to the best of Bridgerton, hear popular Christopher Nolan movie soundtracks, and even unwind to the uplifting anime melodies by Joe Hisaishi.
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Featured Candlelight soundtrack concert
Candlelight: Tribute to A.R. Rahman
In the States, A. R. Rahman is best known for his hugely successful hit “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire. However, the Indian music composer and singer-songwriter has recorded 20 studio albums, AND has six National Film Awards, two Oscars, two Grammys, a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe under his belt, and the list keeps going.
This season, Candlelight is celebrating Rahman’s greatest works with an enchanting string quartet tribute. Hear “Yeh Haseen Wadiyan/Pudhu Vellai Mazhai Roja”, “Ishq Bina”, “Jashn-E-Bahara” from Jodhaa Akbar, and many more at the Coral Gables Congregational Church.
All upcoming Candlelight soundtrack tribute concerts
Where to see live film score concerts in Miami
The popular Candlelight series frequently hosts tributes to iconic film composers in Miami. By combining incredibly talented musicians with iconic venues completely immersed in a sea of candles, movie buffs and music lovers alike can rejoice in epic film soundtracks and iconic TV show themes.
Additionally, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (Knight Concert Hall) and a number of Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO) Venues have joined in on the celebration, welcoming captivating renditions of famous theme songs.
How do great soundtracks help storytelling in film?
Mood and Atmosphere
Memorable melodies connect with audiences on a deeper level. When a soundtrack perfectly captures the mood of a movie, it can be incredibly impactful for us viewers. Take Jurassic Park as an example. As soon as we hear that iconic theme, we feel the awe and wonder of witnessing gigantic dinosaurs roaming freely around the park. And when “Pure Imagination” plays in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, audiences are transported to this fantastical and larger-than-life world made entirely out of chocolate and candy.
Rhythm and Pacing
One of the easiest ways for directors to establish the rhythm and pace of a movie is by using a stellar soundtrack. As Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in The Revenant ventures into the freezing cold wilderness of the present-day Dakotas, the atmospheric yet slow scores reflect the long, grueling journey ahead for the protagonist. What’s more, the minimalist production of the music played during shots of the baron, snowy landscapes suggests the character’s loneliness on his solo quest to survive.
A Fun Film Score Fact
Released in 1987, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the same year. The perfect synergy with the film’s climactic final dance scene where Baby gets lifted by Johnny will always remain iconic. I mean—we’ve all tried the dance move at least once in our lives (successfully or not—that’s not important). Whether you hear it on the radio or request it at a wedding, the song will forever be associated with life-changing and memorable moments.