The Last Emperor: Music Styles and Instruments Used

THE MISSION by Ennio Morricone.

(Example) 1- Describe the music styles, particular cultural expressions and world regions being featured in the score you have chosen. Be specific and brief. Catholic Religious, Classical and Choral Music from Europe, Andean Music, Afro-Brazilian percussion, Carnaval Music, examples of South American Folklore and XXth Century Contemporary Music as well.

2- Name some of the instruments used in order to achieve the sound of the score. The Barnet School Choir, London Symphony Orchestra, The Incantation music group. Solo instruments include, Oboe, solo voice, children choir, Quenas, Sikus, Tarkas, Bombos, Huancaras, Maracas, Afro Latin Percussion, Surdos and others.

3- Name one of your favorite cues from the soundtrack and explain why you chose that one. At 40:30 min. The Gabriel’s Oboe theme comes back in an extended version, this is one of crucial points in the film where we hear a string intro followed by the main theme first performed by the oboe, followed by the Quena with choral accompaniment as we arrive at the Mission.

4- Briefly describe where the score felt short. Be critical, concise, to the point and brief. This is a brilliant score, arguably one of the best movie scores in film history. The balance between Classical, Religious and South American Folkloric music is impeccable and totally genius.

In my opinion there are only two things that could have been considered in the production of the score:

a. Guaraní is very much alive in Paraguay and its borders with Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia today, but there is actually not too much research done on the pre-columbian music of this region. Morricone uses in the score Andean Music and Afro-Brazilian rhythms mostly, styles that are definitely not part of this region..

b. The choice of the Incantation Ensemble to play the score also can be questionable. This group originated in London as part of a well known Ballet featuring English, European as well as a few Chilean musicians. They actually did a very good job but there are incredibly well known and extremely talented soloists in South America that could have been happy and honored to participate in this iconic score by Morricone.

5- Add any additional comments. As a young teen both deeply interested in Cinema and music, this was, for me, the score that changed my life and made me start to seriously pay attention to film music as a true artistic expression.