While Enjoying An Anime,
our primary focus is often on the animation and storyline, overlooking the significant role played by background music (BGM). However, background music adds a layer of excitement, suspense, and emotion to scenes, making it an indispensable element of the viewing experience.
The importance of music scores becomes evident as plain dialogues alone cannot evoke the same feelings and emotions that background music can create. Background music helps establish the emotional tone and atmosphere of a scene, whether it’s a tense battle, a heart-warming moment, or a suspenseful revelation.
The right music significantly enhances the viewer’s emotional connection to the narrative. When discussing music in anime, initial thoughts often gravitate towards the opening and ending themes.
However, the instrumental music that underscores the emotions of each scene is equally vital. It acts as a silent yet powerful storyteller, seamlessly integrating with the visuals to amplify the impact of the narrative. So, background music is not just a supporting element; it’s a crucial component that enriches the overall anime-watching experience
Hiroyuki Sawano
Iconic soundtracks are a hallmark of unforgettable anime, often becoming inseparable from the series itself. These musical compositions linger in the minds of viewers long after they’ve finished watching, forging a lasting connection to the anime. One such maestro of anime music is the renowned Japanese producer and composer, Hiroyuki Sawano, celebrated for his exceptional work on the Attack on Titan anime.
His compositions, including tracks like ‘Barricades,‘ the original soundtrack of AOT, and ‘Call of Silence,’ resonate deeply with audiences. Other than Attack on Titan, Sawano has worked on old classics like Kill La Kill (Nui Harime Theme Song) to recent movies like Promare (BangBangBUR!…n?).
Additionally, he has featured his songs in anime such as Seven Deadly Sins, Guilty Crown, Re: Creators, etc. Sawano’s illustrious career in music began gaining recognition in 2006 when he received his first award for the soundtrack of Team Medical Dragon, an anime television drama.
Since then, he has emerged as a legend in the industry, captivating listeners with a plethora of blockbuster songs that have become beloved anthems. Despite the diverse range of soundtracks he has composed, spanning from violent fighting battle themes to tear-evoking melancholic melodies, Sawano maintains a distinct style. He skillfully blends instrumental music with powerful electronic beats and robust vocals, infusing his compositions with a modern and crisp edge.
Yutaka Yamada
Another legend in the field of music is Yutaka Yamada, a Japanese composer, arranger, and conductor. Yutaka Yamada stands as a prominent figure in the realm of music, known for his exceptional contributions. His global recognition stems from his remarkable compositions for various notable projects, showcasing his versatility and artistic prowess.
One of Yamada’s notable works includes the Netflix series “Alice in Borderland,” where his music added a layer of intensity and emotion to the show’s suspenseful atmosphere. “Great Pretender,” another Netflix series, benefited from Yamada’s compositions, enhancing the overall experience with his distinctive musical touch.
His work on “Vinland Saga” further solidified his reputation, as his compositions complemented the epic and historical tone of the anime. However, it is perhaps his work on the anime series “Tokyo Ghoul” that has garnered significant acclaim.
Yamada’s music for “Tokyo Ghoul” resonated deeply with audiences, contributing to the overall success of the series. The soundtrack’s popularity extended to platforms like YouTube, where related videos have collectively amassed over 130 million views. This indicates not only the series’ popularity but also the enduring appeal of Yamada’s musical creations.
Yutaka Yamada’s ability to craft evocative and impactful musical scores has left an indelible mark on various productions, elevating the storytelling experience for audiences around the world. His work reflects a keen understanding of how music can enhance narrative depth, evoke emotions, and contribute to the overall success and legacy of the projects he collaborates on.
Anime Background Music which surpassed expectations
Examining instances where background music surpassed expectations and left a lasting impression on the audience reveals moments of brilliance. For example, in Attack on Titan, as the Armored Titan and Colossus Titan invade Eren’s village, shattering the wall and causing chaos, Hiroyuki Sawano’s orchestrated brilliance perfectly complements the scene. The music intensifies the tension, sadness, and overall emotional weight, allowing viewers to connect deeply with the anime, bringing tears to their eyes as Eren’s mother meets a tragic end by the Smiling Titan.
In another heartrending scene from Tokyo Ghoul, when Kaneki’s friend dies, the background music subtly transforms the theme song “Unravel.” This alteration not only seamlessly fits the scene but also aligns with the lyrics, enhancing the emotional resonance. These examples illustrate how well-crafted music enhances the audience’s connection to anime, eliciting powerful emotions and making the viewing experience more profound.
In addition to mainstream anime, slice-of-life anime like Lucky Star also utilizes background music (BGM) to enhance emotional depth. Lucky Star follows the daily lives of Izumi Konata and her friends, engaging in ordinary activities such as school, homework, cooking, eating, playing video games, and watching anime.
Despite the seemingly mundane concept, the anime employs various background tracks to capture the essence of different situations, enriching the viewer’s understanding and connection with the characters.
Satoru Kosaki, the composer and arranger, renowned for his work in video game soundtracks, extends his expertise to anime, including Lucky Star. Originally known for his contributions to video games, Kosaki transitioned into working on anime and other media. This shift highlights the significance of his role in shaping the emotional atmosphere of Lucky Star through carefully crafted background music, elevating the overall viewing experience.
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