Critical Response #8

Song: The Passion of the Christ


Artist: John Debney


Melody: The melody is calm but also intense. It is somewhat somber. 


Dynamics: The song starts out soft, but when it gets more intense, it gets a little louder, then it goes soft again until it is barely audible. When the solo starts, it is very quiet with the occasional sound of a violin or cello. As the instruments start to layer on top of each other and the voice, they get louder. However, they drop back to being soft as soon as the singing stops.


Meter: 4/4


     This piece of music was originally composed for a movie called 'The Passion of the Christ'. It is about Jesus Christ's life and the music was played when the people had carried Jesus,who was now dead, to the tomb.


     The music isn't happy. It is like the calm after a storm; slightly tragic, the kind of feeling you get when you have lost something or someone important to you. The soloist sounds like she is sobbing, grieving over the loss, as if there is no more hope left for her. This musical piece was beautifully carried out. I can clearly hear the emotions that the composer was trying to convey and get a vivid image of what kinds of situations this music can fit into. I could just simply feel the hopelessness and grief created by the violins, cellos, violas, choir and the soloist. The intensity of the music had helped to create a serious atmosphere, so you immediately feel that there is no way that you can laugh and giggle while listening to this. I find this to be a beautiful piece of music because it is filled with emotion. I can understand it without having to know the lyrics.I am not religious, but I definitely like this piece.