Friday, 6 February 2015

Writing Music: The Hanging Tree

Movies are some of the best sources of good music to write to. The soundtracks are especially emotive, perfect for playing the background during a writing session. Some of my best music discoveries are from movies I haven’t even seen. This week’s Writing Music, The Hanging Tree, from The Hunger Games, is just such a find. Though I haven’t seen the movie, I liked this piece for its quiet mood, and gentle sad feelings. Performed by violinist Taylor Davis, this piece is a favourite of mine to write to in those scenes which are more subdued, but not yet sorrowful.

The beginning of this song is very subdued and the single violin creates an almost sad feel. However, while the overall mood is subdued, there is also a fair amount of determination evident. This piece would suit a reflective scene, especially if the character is reflecting on something dark from their past. It might also suit a scene following some form of setback, or even a moment of determination in a difficult time.

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What is your favourite movie soundtrack? If you’ve heard The Hunger Games soundtrack, which is your favourite piece? What are you listening to this week?
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17 comments:

  1. Aimee Meester7 February 2015 at 03:53

    I love, love, LOVE that song. It just...it's so haunting. I don't even know, but it's lovely, and great writing inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing it!

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    1. Unknown7 February 2015 at 17:06

      I don't know the original song very well, but I know that the violin in this version really helps with that haunting atmosphere. It's the sort of song that really conjures up a mood, doesn't it? Thanks for stopping to listen.

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  2. Chloe 7 February 2015 at 05:13

    I would say I think I still prefer the actual song, but you're so right! This is such a bittersweet melody and I get goosebumps every time I hear it. Another Hunger Games soundtrack favorite for sad scenes would be "The Arena Crumbles" or "Katniss is Chosen". I want to cry every time I hear either of those. :'(

    Chloe | Curious Ramblings

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    1. Unknown7 February 2015 at 17:16

      There's always something special about the original song, isn't there? I find it interesting to listen to covers on songs because they always add something of their own to it, but especially with movie music, it's hard to beat the original. I had a listen to those pieces and oh they're good. Especially 'Katniss is Chosen'. Those soft vocals are hauntingly sad. Thanks so much for the recommendations.

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  3. Katie Grace7 February 2015 at 05:29

    This song is amazing. It gives me the chills.
    And I've never heard this version of it, so thanks for sharing!

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    1. Unknown7 February 2015 at 17:28

      It's the sort of song that grabs hold of you and you have to listen to it several times, isn't it? Thanks for stopping by to listen to it!

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  4. Heather7 February 2015 at 13:43

    I love the name of this in particular. Like, I know it's supposed to be about death but I STILL LIKE THE CONNOTATION OF DEATH, because, I guess I'm weird. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Unknown7 February 2015 at 17:33

      I must be the same sort of weird as you then because I know exactly what you mean. The name just conjures up images of the gallows and people being hung and all sorts of cool death-y images, even before you get to the song. I think this song is beautifully named (and I also think I now sound like a serial killer in my love of death associated things). Thank you for stopping to listen and comment Heather. It's always so lovely to hear from you.

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  5. N o v a - Z a y8 February 2015 at 12:33

    I actually really like this song. What I don't like is the remixed version. Sounds terrible. I don't know why they even bothered to release it.

    I also didn't know that JLAW could sing but I do like the way she sounds. it isn't perfect but it's what I expected from Katniss. the sort of rawness that appeared in the song was awesome!

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    1. Unknown9 February 2015 at 18:19

      I was just listening to the original today, and you're right. It has a very raw sound to it, which really suits it I think. I'm really growing to like the original as well. Thanks for stopping by Nova!

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  6. Abigail Lennah8 February 2015 at 16:55

    I love the song. I keep singing it a lot... it's haunting, but it's the good kind of haunting!

    xoxo Morning
    http://theworldthroughmywindowsill.blogspot.com/

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    1. Unknown9 February 2015 at 18:20

      It is very haunting, the sort that sticks in your mind and won't let you forget it. Thanks for stopping to listen!

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  7. CG @ Paper Fury8 February 2015 at 20:24

    OMG I LOVE THIS SONG. I FREAKING ADORE THE ONE WHERE JENNIFER LAWRENCE SINGS IT. JFASDALKFSDALK IT IS SO SO BEAUTIFUL. I love this edition too now. XD

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    1. Unknown9 February 2015 at 18:22

      I just listened to that version for the first time today (I'm really behind I know), and I'm in love with it now. I love how it starts so starkly and sort of builds up. So cool.

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  8. Adriana Gabrielle11 February 2015 at 07:06

    OH!! I love this song! The violin version is so haunting O.O My word..... I have now been attacked by plot bunnies XD

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    1. Unknown11 February 2015 at 10:47

      The violin really enhances that lonely, haunting feel the original has, doesn't it? I hope being attacked by plot bunnies is a good thing for you at the moment!

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  9. Ashana Lian20 June 2016 at 22:06

    Thanks for sharing! Always great to find new writing music (I actually use it to fall asleep to O_O I tend to write in silence!)

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