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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
It was mentioned that you are a pianist, you album called Magic Music is on Lybrary dot com. I was wondering if you can share some insight to it's contents. What types of tricks come to mind when the different songs are being played. They only list the name contents, and not anything else, so we are in the dark as to what to expect. Is any of the music used in your Chaplin act, or other acts. What is your process for selecting music for the different spots in your shows.
Do you still play and if so, what is your favorite type of music. That brings to mind the question how did you find the music for your act. Did you write or edit the music that you use for those creative experiences. |
Paul Romhany V.I.P. Canada 800 Posts |
Hi Bill
I forgot that was on magic lybrary. Yes I still play and love listening to music. I listen to all kinds of music from jazz to rock to classical and contemporary. Music has been a very large part of my life and it is a large part of my 2 year old sons life as well. I believe somebody who has a well rounded knowledge and taste of music makes for a very well rounded person in life in general. I have a music degree from Auckland University majoring in composition and did my training in piano since age 6 as well as a teaching diploma. For me the selection of music is just as important as the magic in my Chaplin show. The music really helps me keep in character and enhances the overall mood or emotion I'm trying to get across. It helps connect with the audience. At the end of the day it's all about the theatrical element of the show. The minute the audience walk in to my show they hear music which sets the mood. I spend more time finding the right piece of music than I do anything else in my act. Generally I can tell if a piece will work within seconds of hearing the first few bars. That also shows how well I understand my character and the overall show. As for the music CD - it's an instrumental CD that has a variety of pieces. It is a real mixed bag but not your typical magic/music loops. These are actually pieces of real music with structure. These would suit illusions such as levitations, dramatic pieces for more dramatic illusions and stage effects such as linking rings, etc. These are not used in my Chaplin act. In the Chaplin act I use a lot of classical music because it helps get over copyright issues. I do use this music in various parts of my 'Paul' show as well as many of my videos I work on. I should ask Chris over at Magic Lybrary to put up a few short samples. I do edit music to fit the act and highlight certain points in the routines. The growing hanky for example was worked around that particular piece of music. I hired a choreographer to help work on that particular routine once I had found the music. If you watch the Chaplin video listed on this forum you'll see what I mean. Everything is timed to work with the music.
"life is like a movie ... you write your own ending" - Kermit the Frog
http://www.paulromhanymagic.com http://www.paulromhany.com |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
Thank you Paul, I have watched your video of your Chaplin act, and I was expecting some of the music from the old Chaplin silent movies. I am not an expert, but I did not notice music from that period. I thought Chaplin had a certain sound for his unique walk. Just wondered why you did not pick a sound with that beat or rhythm that is associated with Chaplin.
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Paul Romhany V.I.P. Canada 800 Posts |
Hi Bill - I do use some of Chaplin's music - the broom is SMILE written by Chaplin and there are a few other pieces mixed in there. I have full routines set to Chaplin's music which aren't in that short clip. My rope routine is a classic example of that. It's set to his music. The entire show is over an hour so I use a lot of classical music which is perfect for Chaplin, as is the music from the 1920s. Remember I'm not being Chaplin but it's my interpretation of Charlie doing magic. That's very important to remember when considering music and character.
It also comes down to copyright when doing television and theatre work. You have to be so careful when using music in your act to check that out otherwise you'll end up having television choose the music and often they don't get it right.
"life is like a movie ... you write your own ending" - Kermit the Frog
http://www.paulromhanymagic.com http://www.paulromhany.com |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
Thanks for your response, I guess I was just expecting that tinny piano sound like on so many silent moves of the time, that brings back an era silent films.
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Paul Romhany V.I.P. Canada 800 Posts |
The very early silent movies used piano music but Chaplin was so innovative that he actually composed music for his own movies (full lengths) He also started a music company in 1914 of Cello Music!! If you watch the Chapin movies you'll hear some incredible music that Charlie wrote and had orchestrated. That's what I tend to use as it has more impact. I think an hour of piano music might drive me potty:)
"life is like a movie ... you write your own ending" - Kermit the Frog
http://www.paulromhanymagic.com http://www.paulromhany.com |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
I agree, that is very true, but I thought it might get a big laugh when you are shuffling around. I was just expecting it as a viewer. I am not that old, but I have seen a couple silent films of that era. Proves a little exposure can cause one to come the wrong conclusions.
On the documentary I once seen on Chaplin, I don't remember them ever mentioning his music and composing skills. |
Paul Romhany V.I.P. Canada 800 Posts |
I see where you are coming from Bill but Chaplin realised the power of fully orchestrated music and later on in life also went back and orchestrated music to his early films. Chaplin's music is still being played in movies today.
There are countless music CDs out there with music by Chaplin and some of his music have gone to number 1 in the pop charts over the years (even after his death)! One of my favorite Chaplin songs is sung by Michael Jackson on his albulm and he did an incredible job. I do have the odd piece of piano honky tonk music but that is only played in the pre-show. It doesn't really fit the character or my act and it's nothing Chaplin would have done himself. The music I use enhances the act and is there for a very specific reason. The honky tonk music could be used of course, but not for an entire show. The rope routine I do as Chaplin uses that style and it works well. Basically if I feel it would work with what I'm trying to get across then I would use it.
"life is like a movie ... you write your own ending" - Kermit the Frog
http://www.paulromhanymagic.com http://www.paulromhany.com |
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