Viva Voce - the Godfather

Viva Voce

An explanation of how composer Nino Rota creates the sound of rural Sicily in the Love Theme in “The Godfather”

Script:

Function of Film:

• To create mood and atmosphere as well as set the time and place of the scene in the movie.
• This wasn’t pre-composed.

The composer uses the following concepts to enhance the on-screen action by painting vivid picture of rural Sicily through the music alone.

Tone Colour:

• Ensemble type- Orchestral
• Featured instruments- oboe, accordion, mandolin and strings section

Link: The choice of instruments link music with the scene, as the mandolin and accordion are Old Italian peasant’s instruments, the way that they are played gives the song a regional and European feel. The music is passionate and rich, clarifying the place by painting a picture of Italian culture.

Duration:

• Metre

• Simple quadruple metre with a 4/4 time signature

• Beat

- Strong,  regular

• Rhythm

• Simple, played on beat
• Combination of long and short notes
• Ostinato throughout the song soloed by accordion, oboe and strings and also possesses syncopation (EXAMPLE 1)

• Tempo

• Slow Tempo (adagio), with small pauses

Link: Scene looks simple and is repetitive in what the viewer sees in terms of scenery.  The music presents a slow paced tune perfectly representing regional Italy.

Pitch (Melody):

• Clear melodic theme is wide in its pitch
• Because of the mandolin the pitch is quite jagged, which makes the piece foreboding, unsure, unease (EXAMPLE 2)
• Uses chromatic harmonies which creates dissonance due to the (D) Minor Key Signature, chromatic harmonies and minor chords

Link: because of the minor key signature, melody seems somehow simultaneously unsettling and hopeful showcasing the mood of main character, Michael in the scene

Dynamics and Expressive Techniques:

• The piece is played in (mezzo piano) and stays quite constant. The orchestra quiets for oboe, piano accordion and some strings solos (EXAMPLE 3)

Link: The scenery is simple and quiet. To be able to fully experience Italy, you must be still

• Played legato, creating a smooth, passionate, romantic and intense piece

Link: Legato (making the piece expressive and romantic, like Italy)