In September 2017, I participated in a composition contest organized by National Geographic. Participants had 1 month to compose, record, mix and edit a video on the theme of the TV series Genius, whose season 1 is a biopic about the life of Albert Einstein. It was necessary to propose an interpretation of the original theme, or to compose a different theme, reflecting the spirit of the series.
The original music of the series is composed by Hans Zimmer (Gladiator, Inception, The Dark Knight, Interstellar …) and Lorne Balfe (Megamind, Ghost in the Shell, Lego Batman Movie …)
The two contest winners would attent a recording session of the original music with Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe, with, in addition, the sharing of their music on the social networks of the two composers.
I took the contest en route, which left me less than a week, a very compelling time to compose, mix, edit a video and post my submission to the contest.
I chose to produce music mixing both cover and original composition. My goal in this approach was twofold:
- Alert the jury by my ability to reproduce the original theme by ear, be it at the orchestral level (what instruments play what, how, when) or at the mixing level (the volume, the stereo position, the reverberation of each instrument ).
- Show my ability to explore and expand the original theme on variations, by composing a new theme including here and there some elements of the original theme.
My personal interpretation of Genius
You can listen and watch my submission to the contest below:
From 0’00 to 0’03: Composition
Introduction of a virtuoso solo violin, symbol of the spirit of “Genius” (at least that’s how I understood and interpreted it), in a rapid descent of notes, accompanied by stringed instruments only (violas, cellos, contrabasses).
From 0’03 to 0’11: Cover of the original theme
Exact repica cover of the intro and the outro of the original theme consisting of rapid attacks from the whole section of the strings (violins, violas, cellos, basses).
From 0’11 to 1’12: Composition
Composition of a new theme in a more sad atmosphere, to contrast with the original theme and propose an approach of Einstein from a different angle.
The rhythm is slowing down, a piano is introduced and the cellos and double basses are now playing long harmonies.
A concert bass drum concert also comes with heavy weight the first time of each measure.
French Horns intervene to emphasize the ends of phrases (like a wink, they play the exact same part as on the original theme, but in a much more discreet and scattered way).
The main melody played by the violin is replaced by a Bassoon, as if to emphasize another voice of genius, via a different instrument.
Then the atmosphere intensifies with the arrival of violins and violas in staccato, as well as a violin playing fast arpeggios. Back to calm, then pause.
From 1’12 to 1’55: Cover of the original theme
Acceleration of the tempo and start of the original theme of the series, which I rewrote by ear.
Crescendo of all the instruments on 12 seconds, intensification of the staccatos on all string instruments, introduction of a synthesizer (because why not – that must be an idea of Hans: D), three big timpani shots, as to symbolize the rising excitement of the arrival of a new “Genius” idea.
Concert bass drum roll, and climax, cymbals crashing and sudden arrival of Trombones and French Horns, to support the expected return of virtuoso violin, celebrated as ever by a whirlwind of up and down arpeggios. Clear transition to the end with the return of all stringed instruments in staccato, as in the introduction.
End of the piece with a concert bass kick and a low note on the piano.
What the contest brought me
Even if I did not win this very first contest (with more than 740 submissions accepted), it will have allowed me to meet some challenges:
- Deadline : 5 days to reinterpret the original theme, compose, orchestrate, mix and edit a video, is very short. I had to plan everything and force myself to respect my schedule. I would have liked to accompany the violin in unison playing myself on the electric guitar (since it is my favorite instrument), but I quickly abandoned the idea to refocus on the orchestral part and not be late.
- Compose a Theme : which remained close enough to my basic inspirations. I am very influenced by the work of Hans Zimmer, whom I admire a lot and listen to since I am little. (I still remember deciphering Gladiator’s music when I was little on my sister’s piano).
- Produce a video to accompany my track: I have never done a video to accompany on of my compositions. I decided to simply show Cubase, my DAW which I use to compose and produce music), which offered the abillity to ‘visually’ show my work.
- Existing on social networks: the most viewed and shared video on social networks would win the contest. And since I still had no account on Twitter or Instagram, it was an opportunity for me to create them and start to solicit followers. Thanks to that, I could at least get a “like” of my composition by the composer Lorne Balfe on Tweeter! Yeaaaah 😀 !!
The winners:
- Most viewed/shared video by the community: http://indi.com/969z6, by Nick Nußbickel,
- Selected by judges (Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe): http://indi.com/96tt8, by CineCraft Collective.