Topic One (1.1): A Brief History

Topics Icon.png Objectives for this topic

This topic will introduce you to the history of these two musical forms. You will learn about the evolution of both music for film and stage up to our modern-day, listening to examples of these types of music. It is important to note that in this module both stage music and musicals refer to the same form of music.

Quiz Icon.png Instructions

  • Begin by listening to these examples of music. The main theme to Cinema Paradiso, written by prolific film music composer, Ennio Morricone, is an enchanting example of a film music theme. Cinema Paradiso is the story of a young boy transfixed by film and cinema. 

WATCH – Cinema Paradiso theme – Proms 2011 (YouTube) Links to an external site.

  • ‘You’ll be Back’ is a catchy, up-beat song from the acclaimed musical Hamilton, (written by Lin-Manuel Miranda) based on the life of the American Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton.

LISTEN – You’ll Be Back (YouTube) Links to an external site.

  • Then, download the history research sheet. Using the suggested websites included on this sheet, take time to explore the histories of film and stage music for yourself, responding to the questions from your research.

DOWNLOAD – A Brief History research task Download DOWNLOAD – A Brief History research task

Review Icon.png Review

  • You can now review your research by checking the answers to the question using the answer sheet.

DOWNLOAD – A Brief History research task answers Download DOWNLOAD – A Brief History research task answers

Bridge Icon.png  Support activity for this topic

Using the support research sheet, make notes on the history of film and stage music using the suggested websites. You can use the prompt questions to help you research if you wish. Present your research as you wish, e.g., as a poster or as audio responses. 

DOWNLOAD – A Brief History support task Download DOWNLOAD – A Brief History support task

Stretch Icon.png Extension activity for this topic

Film music and musicals share many similarities and when combined create a ‘musical film’. These are films written with musical numbers specifically as part of the story. Here are some examples of musical films, modern and classic:

  • La La Land
  • Greatest Showman
  • The Sound of Music
  • Singin’ in the Rain
  • Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

This is the opening theme from La La Land.

WATCH – Another Day of Sun (YouTube) Links to an external site.

Watching a musical film will really help you to understand the importance of music in telling the story and engaging the audience. Choose one from this list, or one of your own, remembering to check the age guidance rating beforehand.