Music of the World

On Tuesday 20^th February 1816, Gioachino Rossini’s opera buffa The Barber of Seville received its premiere at the Teatro Argentina in Rome. Written in just over three weeks (with revisions added later), it is now hailed as a masterclass of the operatic canon and considered by some to be the composer’s magnum opus—put down the pitchforks, William Tell “Overture” fans. At the time, however, it wasn’t quite so clear that it would go on to so storied a reputation. Worse yet, the first performance was nothing short of a cataclysm for the then-27 year old Rossini.

Observed annually around the world, Black History Month celebrates the achievements of Black communities, whilst also remembering Black history. In the UK, these celebrations take place in October, and this year’s theme is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’. The theme conveys a message of resilience, celebrating the remarkable contributions of Black communities, whilst also envisioning a future built on strength and unity.

Music has become an integral part of films. What began in the silent film era as an accompaniment to images and a way to cover up projector noise is now an indispensable part of the movie-going experience. Film music both creates and enhances suspense, moves us to tears, and often stays in our minds longer than the images themselves. It is more than just background noise, it is an invisible actor that has a decisive influence on the impact of a story. At Schott Music, you will find not only numerous iconic works to play, but also published original works by great film composers. In this article, you will learn what makes film music special, how it is created, which composers have shaped it, and how you can play film music yourself.