Over the past decade, TV series have aroused a growing popular interest, which makes them a subject worth studying. In my project I am willing to consider the music soundtracks attached to TV series focusing on the title sequence and trying to answer questions like: Which is the relationship between title sequence music and TV series genre? When compared to full length movies, which are the specific functions of the title sequence music in TV series?
To develop this subject I will firstly comment on some general issues regarding TV series influence on popular culture and on the reception of popular music. Secondly, I will consider the characteristics and functions of the title sequence music, in a general way and by analyzing the differences between two paradigmatic cases: CSI and True Blood. Finally I will briefly consider the differences and similarities between the cases considered and draw some conclusions.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- TV music
- TV series: a new concept paired with a greater influence
- The opening sequence
- Two paradigmatic cases
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
- True Blood
- Further considerations
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This project aims to examine the relationship between title sequence music and TV series genre, comparing their functions to those in full-length movies. It explores how TV series influence popular culture and the reception of popular music.
- The role of music in television and its functions within specific scenes.
- The evolving nature of TV series and their growing impact on popular culture.
- The analysis of title sequence music in different TV series genres.
- Comparison of title sequence music functions in TV series versus feature films.
- The influence of TV series on music trends and the reception of classic bands or songs.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 1: Introduction introduces the topic of TV series music, particularly focusing on title sequences and their relationship to genre. It outlines the project's objectives: exploring the function of title sequence music in TV series and comparing it to feature films.
Chapter 2: TV music discusses the nature of TV music in general, highlighting its role as a tool for visual attention and conveying meaning. It explores how music functions formally within the narrative and manipulates audience understanding.
Chapter 3: TV series: a new concept paired with a greater influence examines the rise in popularity of TV series and their significant cultural influence, offering examples of how characters and themes shape social attitudes and trends.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Television music, title sequences, TV series genre, popular culture, cultural influence, music functions, CSI, True Blood, megamovies, popular music reception.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the specific function of title sequence music in TV series?
Title music serves as a prelude that establishes the genre, captures visual attention, and prepares the audience emotionally for the narrative.
How does title music relate to the TV series genre?
The project examines how specific musical styles and moods are used to immediately signal to the viewer whether a show is a crime drama, horror, or another genre.
What makes the title sequences of CSI and True Blood paradigmatic?
The analysis compares how these shows use music differently to define their unique identity—CSI with energetic rock and True Blood with atmospheric, genre-blending sounds.
How do TV series influence popular culture and music reception?
TV soundtracks can revitalize interest in classic bands or songs and shape modern music trends through their massive cultural reach.
What is the difference between TV title music and movie music?
While both convey meaning, TV title music must work repetitively and quickly to re-engage the viewer in a serialized format compared to a one-off feature film.
Why are title sequences considered a 'prelude to the drama'?
They act as a bridge between reality and the fictional world, setting the stage for the themes and characters the audience is about to encounter.
- Quote paper
- Elena Pons Capdevila (Author), 2011, The prelude to the drama, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/187704
