The Language of the Soul

 Music is the unspoken language of the soul. Whether we realize it or not, music impacts our reactions, behavior, attitudes, etc. The producers of telenovelas know this and utilize every aspect of it. They create the intensity of the scene from the background music. Yes, acting does help considerably but the music carries most of the weight. The choice of music conveys and carries the emotions of the telenovela in which the audience receives. Telenovelas are drama filled and so the intensity of the music has to be precise and live up to that dramatic effect. Within my telenovela, Sin Senos Si Hay Paraíso, there is a central "theme" song played. This central song is played extremely frequently within the film, specifically in scenes of intensity or suspense of action about to occur. By doing this, I think the producers of the telenovela made a cunning decision. The way in which the song is played whether it be with a major or minor key tells us whether it is designed to be a happy or sad scene. The inclusion of the same song creates a memorable aspect as well. Specifically in my life, I was watching my telenovela while on the phone with my boyfriend and he heard the song and immediately began singing the tune. The song is played numerous times throughout the series so members of the audience immediately associate the two together. Although music can convey a sense of accomplishment and excitement for the characters other pieces of music can induce sadness or disappointment. Within my telenovela, one of the major songs is named "Vendetta" and is used in scenes regarding vengeance or plots against the antagonist. 

In the grand scheme of production, music is crucial in the way a storyline is perceived and managed. In a sense, the music adds an intricate feature that guides the audience to a certain conclusion of certain characters. For my telenovela, the music builds suspense when important scenes happen but the music is also designed to keep the audience engaged in moments of separation. For example, specific music correlates with the commercial periods. Although I am streaming the gradual music leading to that break is still apparent. This happens once again when the episode is coming to an end. The music becomes extremely intense whether that be intense sorrow or intense revenge or even intense happiness. 

In the scene below, the music represents the sympathy Mrs. Hilda has for the antagonist of the story because she was always outdone by Mrs. Hilda's daughter (Catalina). Within the scene you see Catalina win the pageant over Yesica. The music attempts to draw out any pity and/or understanding the audience may have for the antagonist and the way she grew up. 

The next clip has a variety of music selections depicting each respective emotion to the scene being displayed. Originally we hear gradually crescendoing love music to correlate with the two teenagers kissing. It then quickly switches to intense, drastic music with the father of the girl walking angrily. 

Going into this FYOS, I think I realized that music does add to the scene and can influence the way the audience feels but after learning about the specific uses of music and some examples of each, I was able to recognize these types more easily within my own telenovela. I have also been able to personally experience the compulsive nature of music and telenovelas over the past few weeks. Even once we finish this class, I will be finishing the show. I am extremely hooked and I am absolutely enthralled with the story. 

All in all, music is the unspoken knowledge that we all have in common. It unites us through our emotions and pulls us all into the setting of the story no matter how much of the telenovela we may or may not have seen.