Posted by Mike Shulver on February 12, 1997 at 06:31:24:
In Reply to: Vance and Music posted by Menno van der Leden on January 10, 1997 at 02:21:37:
: A small introduction:
: When I read books I always listen to music at the same time. But after five minutes or so and the book is good, I don't here the music anymore. But when I hear the music later, it instantly reminds me of the book I read at that time.
: some books and music:
: Cugel -> Mask from Vangelis
: planet of adventure -> concerts in China, Jean-Michel Jarre
: Lyonesse -> The Last emperor, Sakamoto et al.
: So my question:
: Have any of you music associated with Vance books? What music?
: Menno
Great question, one I've thought about often; and so, perhaps the first of many postings on this subject:
In the 1970s (I think) someone made a movie of Dumas' "The Three Musketeers". The movie provides some handy faces, costumes and scenic material for a lazy "minds eye" trying to build up a picture of the more baroque Vance worlds.
However, the important thing about this movie is the theme music which was written by Michel Legrand. (Perhaps significantly most of Mr. Legrand's work is Jazz!) The music is (for me anyway) a perfect backdrop for the Planet of Adventure books.
I first read TPoA series when I was about 10 or 11 I think, and I remember listening to Legrands music during that first read. Well, on the eve of my 35th birthday and about 12 re-reads down the line I still cannot separate these two woderfull pieces of art.
I also find that the work of Mike Oldfield enhances many Jack Vance stories. (Not songs with words though.) I recommend playing the instrumental tracks of Oldfield's "OE2" while reading "The Miracle Workers".
Jean Michel Jarre's erlier music (especially Oxygene and Equinox) works well with Potters of Firsk for some reason.
In most cases hearing these pieces of music generates for me not just memories of the relevant book / story but powerfull emotional responses also.
On the lighter side, its not just music that provides powerfull associations. The one and only Ann McAffrey book I've liked was "The Ship Who Sang". This book was bought for me one Christmas back in the late 70's along with a tacky aftershave called "Blue Stratos". I used the aftershave for about a week after that Christmas. So, twenty-odd years on I'm at a Christmas party and I smell the mixture of Blue Stratos and Christmas trees and wham, I'm back in the world of Helga, the Ship Who Sang.
Mike