Parsons Playlists: Movie Music for a Blue Day

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today we’re featuring a collection called “Movie Music for a Blue Day” curated by Music Library student assistant Nathan (class of 2024).

Rainy day - blue

Ever get in your feels on a rainy day? Fully immerse yourself in your emotions listening along to this short but sweet selection!

“Genesis” from WandaVision

“Eating Alone” from Shrek

“Fiona’s Room” from Shrek 2

“Not Meant To Be” from Shrek 2

“Rue’s Farewell” from The Hunger Games

“Ice Dance” from Edward Scissorhands

“Married Life” from Up

“The Piano Duet” from Corpse Bride

Here’s a link to a YouTube playlist version: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezLp3WGv_VFDKUF4MYpYEZW

Movie Music for a Blue Day

Arachnophonia: Selections from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Nathan (class of 2024) and features piano/vocal selections from the 2005 film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Thanks, Nathan!

Selections from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Selections from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"

Danny Elfman is such a prolific composer, known for commonly working alongside filmmaker Tim Burton. Arguably, the best and most diverse collection of his work can be found in his music for the 2005 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” His score explores a variety of styles, from Bollywood to the sugar-pop of the 1960s. While the piano score struggles to capture all of the complex work and sound behind the “Main Titles” (Elfman at his prime, in my opinion), it does an excellent job providing a solid basework for solo playability. The piano adaptation for the “Finale” is perfectly captured and successfully leaves what it intends to bring – a feeling of finality and completion at the end of a wild ride.