Fiddler on the Roof
Music plays an important role in the world. It is a way to express human emotion when dialogue cannot. We can clearly see this phenomenon in movies. In the film, “Fiddler on the Roof”, music has an extremely dramatic impact. It sets the tone, and embellishes the story. The music and lyrics in the movie, “The Fiddler On The Roof” , serve as an excellent dramatic tool to effectively develop the characters and move the story forward.
The film, Fiddler on the Roof, is based on stories by Shalom Aleichem and the Broadway musical. The music was written by Jerry Bock with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. Songs include Tradition, If I Were A Rich Man, Matchmaker, Miracle of Miracles, Sunrise Sunset, Sabbath Prayer, Anatevka, Do…show more content… The two types of songs to develop character are in the form of ‘I am’ or ‘I want’ kind of songs. In the movie Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye and Goldie recognize the true affection that they have for each other in the song “Do you Love Me?”, once they have been living with and deeply caring for someone else for twenty-five years, “If that’s not love, what is?” Characters can also assert themselves against a challenge through “I am” songs, in addition to defining themselves with clear moments of self-revelation. In Fiddler on the Roof, If I Were a Rich Man." Traditionally a showpiece (and showstopper) every time that Tevye’s daughters expressed their yearning to marry someone that was not arranged by the local matchmaker, he takes an important stand of upholding the greatness of “Tradition” before he reluctantly gives into their wishes. The kind of song that represents “I want” is expressed with Tevye’s daydreams, “If I were a Rich Man,” where he displays a strong desire. As in all strong opening numbers, this song introduces the themes, characters and attitudes of the entire…show more content… Tevye and his friends make a lively toast in a rare instant of happiness from their normal dreary lives.
Songs also tell stories. Exposition songs tell about the theme of the film and about what beliefs the characters. In Tradition, Tevya discusses the importance of Jewish traditions even in difficult times, a basic concept running throughout the film.
Songs are strategically placed at emotional points to increase emotion, emphasize dramatic action, create atmospheres and moods where dialogue is no longer enough. The two types of songs to develop character are in the form of ‘I am’ or ‘I want’ kind of songs. In one of the early scenes of The Sound of Music when
Music in the film functions in two kinds—singing as a performance (the 'real') and singing as an expression of an idea (the 'unreal'). Generally, the difference between the 'real' environment of normal dialogue and that of communication expressed through song is clearly outlined. the youngest child asks if this is a good time to sing "My Favorite Things," since she's