LESSON 4

THE 20TH AND 21ST CENTURY MULTIMEDIA FORMS

INTRODUCTION
The study of the Philippine multimedia performing arts of the twentieth and twenty-first
centuries will broaden your consciousness to the musical compositions written by Filipino
composers. This learning will also encourage unbiased opinions to all types of music available
today. Knowing their relevance in the Philippine music of today will make people realize its
importance in the future of Philippine music. The perceptive listening skills acquired in this
section will lead you to an increase in aural consciousness and appreciation of all the events
that enclose you in your daily life as a Filipino student.

WHAT IS A MUSICAL PLAY?

A musical play is a form of theatrical presentation that is composed of a combination of
songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dancing. It is more popular than Opera because of its
characteristics: Less intense and dramatic, more contemporary, melodies use moderate voice
range and it’s acting less. https://primer.com.ph/blog/2019/10/19/repertory-philippines-
to-combine-the-familiar-and-the-new-for-its-83rd-season/
How is an idea or a story presented in a musical play or
video?
An idea including the emotional content of a
musical - love, anger, nostalgia, bemusement, and/or
humor – is presented through the use of music and
drama elements like dialogue, movement, space, stage,
scenery, costumes, and special effects.

How are theatrical elements in a selected part of a

musical play combined with music and media?
In a musical play, theatrical elements like dialogue, acting, scenery, and lighting are
combined with music.
 Dialogue surfaces as lyrics of a song. Its melody is used to highlight mood and tone.
 Acting is accompanied with either songs or instrumental music.
 Scenery is presented using props that symbolize locations like trees for a park, a chair or
table for a part of a house, a huge image of a car for street, etc.
 Lighting and other forms of sound are also added to produce effects.
 More importantly, Instrumental music that carries parallel themes is included to
establish the play’s main theme.
According to Kenny Chan of Theatre Ontario, music is used to establish mood and to provide
background noise. Music may be presented live or recorded.

What are the elements of a musical?

The elements of a musical include the following:
1. The SCORE is written by a composer. It is the music for the entire show, which is composed
of a number of songs. Songs are incorporated into the story when the scene is changing, a
character has made a decision, two characters are interacting, or when the story needs a pick-
me-up dialogue.
2. The LYRICS are the words to the songs.
3. The SCRIPT, which is also known as the book, is the dialogue that the actors speak.
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 https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-12- https://www.theproducersperspective.com/my_weblo
30/composer-thomas-newman-1917-score-an-opera-for-nerves-and- g/2013/10/the-sunday-giveaway-free-script-coverage-
emotion for-your-script.html

Who are the key organizers of a musical?

 CHOREOGRAPHER – creates the dances and manages the overall movements of the
performance to match the directors’ vision.
 COSTUME DESIGNER – decides and oversees the creation of what the actors will wear.
 DIRECTOR – organizes all of the elements and key players into his or her overall vision for the
performance.
 LIGHTING DESIGNER – makes sure that everything onstage is seen or not seen according to
plan; sets the mood of each scene; and creates or sets the atmosphere and time
of day.
 MUSICAL DIRECTOR – conducts the actors while singing as well as the instrumentalists who
play the score.
 SET DESIGNER - plans and oversees the creation of the illusory world in which the
production takes place.
https://www.sheffieldav.com/education/how-technology-
transformed-music-industry
How does technology affect the music industry?
People’s use of technology in expressing
themselves through art can be felt even in the
world of music. In fact, people continue to
explore ways to vary sounds using modern
technology. As a result, technology makes it
possible for musicians to produce various sounds.
The way music is recorded and delivered to
audiences was also changed because of modern
technology. As musicians strive to deliver new
styles to musically express themselves, composers
continue to update themselves with skills and
equipment that may be used to satisfy the discerning ears of music audiences. Thus, music
technology has become a primary component for developing music.

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 What are the contributions of computers and other forms of technology on the presentation
of modern musical plays?
The life-transforming effect of music is
evident in the ways people communicate, store
information, and produce new music, sounds and
images. Because of the portability of electronic
devices, various kinds of images and sound effects
may be conjured using electronic devices. Even
more interesting, sounds may be heard by people
simultaneously using a mere laptop. In fact, a
presentation that may be taking place in any
country may be heard and seen using tablet or
computers. Through the use of technology,
multimedia performances are now at everyone’s
reach.
https://www.ecogiochiamo.com/the-benefits-of-online-movie-sites/

What are the contributions of social media to the

music industry?
Not too long ago, fans would converge in a
coliseum or a park just to hear a musical
performance. While this may still be a fad, the
advent of social media has made it possible for
people to watch certain performances at any place
of their convenience using a computer or any
portable multimedia device. This way, people may
watch presentations by merely going online. http://scion-social.com/blog/forget-not-says-social-media-content-strategy /

GENERALIZATION:
 A musical play has a story that is told in music and song with dialogue. It is adaptable for the
stage and big flamboyant shows or for the movie screen. It reveals literary and musical talent
to put together the show.
 A musical play requires more management due to the addition of music and an orchestra or
sound effects. Costumes and props are also required which are managed by the different key
organizers: Choreographer, Costume designer, Director, Lighting Designer, Musical Director
and Set Designer.
 People are now using social media to monitor music performers, obtain information about
the venue and schedule of performances, or even purchase music materials online.

MUSIC TRIVIA....
Did you know that Jugar Con Fuego by Francisco Asenjo
Barbieri was the first zarzuela introduced in the Philippines in
late 1878 or early 1879. Zarzuela is a form of musical theater
that combines spoken word and song that celebrates various
Catholic liturgical feasts.
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