The Atmosphere of Theatre

‘Where words fail, sound can often speak’ (Hans Christian Anderson, What The Moon Saw)

Anderson’s famous quotation, (often paraphrased to ‘where words fail, music speaks’), outlines my fascination with music. The atmosphere of theatre is created through a combination of senses. While what the audience sees is undoubtedly a major factor on stage, what they hear will shape their mood, their emotion and their overall journey. The way in which sounds ‘speak’, allows a composer to break down the restrictions of language. It creates a platform for which the effects physical movement can transform from angelic to intimidating with a simple shift of rhythm or key.

We are said to remember 30% of what we see, and 50% of what we both see and hear. The combination of the audio-visual in theatre should compliment one another. Music gives theatre the potential to create a performance that is not only memorable, but also impactful. It unlocks an emotional connection that touches a personal side of the audience. In many ways, the fourth wall is broken through an ability to establish a private connection to the sounds. The scripted performance offers the literal translation, yet, music cannot be translated, it is interpreted freely.

Works Cited

Anderson, H. (2007) What The Moon Saw and Other Tales (1866). Montana. Kessinger Publishing.