Have you heard? 12. Romantic Flight
Have you heard? is a showcase for the unconventional, unique and inspiring music out there that never seems to get the limelight it deserves.
Romantic Flight - John Powell (2010)
Romantic Flight is a short two minute piece of music written by composer John Powell for the 2010 DreamWorks animation film How to Train Your Dragon. The music accompanies a scene where the main character and his now pet dragon (which is a rare and dangerous breed) take his love interest for her first flight and to gain her trust. It’s a kids movie, so it’s sweet but not soppy.
So how does a romantic flight on the back of a dangerous dragon constitute an unconventional, unique or inspiring piece of music?
Romantic Flight does exactly what it says on the tin. It combines elements of blossoming romance with the magic of dragon flight. It starts with curiosity and mysticism, as it explores the dream-like sensation of fly (on the back of an untrusted dragon). The focus is not so much on the surrounds, but not he act of flying itself. It is here, at the opening of the piece, that Powell has chosen to orchestrate with a very distinctive, but immensely effective, solo violin (with some soft choir backing). Not only that, but the sweet melody includes many grace notes and tildes to really emphasise the ‘romantic’ part of the flight (and of course the characters).
Then, as our characters become adapted to the flying sensation and realise they are not about to die, they begin to explore the surroundings from the view upon the back of the dragon. This is when the music begins to pick up, reflecting the grow appreciation and awe of the experience. But still, in relative terms, the orchestration is light. There’s no crazy brass or anything, but an elegant combination of different string instruments. There is a lot of glittery percussion over the top to emphasise the magic of the moment. It’s very nice to listen to.
The music hesitates for a moment and breaks into a pleasant crescendo, coupled with a subtle key change. The woodwinds dance over the top of the strings while the brass provide ‘fullness’ to the experience. It all combines to make you feel like you are soaring above the clouds in the night sky, marvelling at the wonders you can see below. Personally, what I think really makes the music is the choir in the background. Yes, it’s just a bunch of simple chords, but the tone and atmosphere it brings is totally different to any other instrument in the orchestra, especially when considering a dream-like situation.
In addition to this, Powell has made extensive use of percussive orchestral features (i.e. not just the percussion itself). For example, there’s pizzicato basses playing some funky counterpoint to the main melody. There’s flourishes with rising runs and cymbal crashes, but not in any dramatic way. There’s even little chimes ringing away in the background.
When Powell directs the music to its apex he focuses more on the ‘flight’ part of the music, whilst keeping things in the romantic style. The music feels grand as it marvels at flight. The characters are amazed and this is reflected in the music. Incidentally, in the film this song is the only audio there is. The characters are silent; the music fittingly speaking all the words they need.
The building of the piece - the way the melody and countermelodies and all the little supporting themes and intricacies are put together is incredible. It feels magical, but not mystical. It feels breathtaking, but not fearful. It is delicate, but intrepid. Not to mentioned the playful flutes as the piece winds down.
Wonderful. Like a true romantic flight.
Happy listening and enjoy!