CHAPTER 52 : THE EFFICACY OF MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT IN THEATRICAL PRODUCTION: AN EXAMPLE OF SELECTED MUSIC DYNAMICS

Sunday Olufemi Akande

Abstract


The impact of music in theatrical production cannot be undermined as it constitutes an integral part. The intrinsic value of its mystic capacity to complement other areas of production such as media, props and costume, technical and so on cannot be overemphasized. The impact of music in total theatre becomes more realistic as musical concepts are well presented with the application of musical dynamics in gushing out the desired idea or concept of the writer. The relationship between music dynamics and drama has called for a need for this study. This paper focuses on the application of musical dynamics in a theatrical production. It elucidates aptly on the meaning of dynamics in music and discusses selected dynamics such as forte, fortissimo, mezzo forte, piano, pianissimo, mezzo piano, crescendo and diminuendo relating to intensity. Some selected indigenous music was analyzed. This paper concludes that the intrinsic value of dynamics in music is a viable tool for the efficient expression of feelings in drama. It recommends that the responsibility of directing the music of a total theatre should be saddled with a music specialist who understands the application of dynamics and the storyline. More time should be devoted to effectively mastering the application of musical dynamics for each scene.

Keywords: Musical Dynamics, Accompaniment, Total Theatre


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