Arachnophonia: Moana

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 Marissa (class of 2025) and features vocal sheet music selections from the 2016 animated feature Moana. Thanks, Marissa!

Moana: music from the motion picture soundtrack
Original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina

Moana piano vocal selections

A newer Disney classic, the musical movie Moana hit theaters in late 2016. The story follows Moana, a Polynesian Disney princess on a mission to return the heart of Te Fiti that was once stolen by the demigod Maui. Throughout the movie’s twists and turns, a lively soundtrack mostly written by Lin-Manuel Miranda makes the audience feel as though they are part of the adventure. Known for the creation of the Broadway musical Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda is a beloved song writer and performer who makes all of his work memorable for years and years to come.

Have you ever wanted to replicate The Rock‘s stellar performance in “You’re Welcome,” or learn the instrumentals in “How Far I’ll Go” ? This collection of musical scores by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina includes sheet music for pianists, vocalists, and guitarists. This item is available now in the Parsons Music Library, along with the scores to many of your other favorite Disney songs.

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.