Actually (and I could be overanalyzing here), the final scene does seem to elude to Silco's theme in a way. At the point when the violoncello switches to treble clef, the soprano of the following two chords does seem to match the minor third that characterizes Silco's theme. On the other hand, the next two chords after that form a major third, maybe eluding to the whole major-minor opposition, but this could easally be a case of "finding what you were looking for", and/or just be coincidental.
Funny you should mention that...I was considering adding that to the last section. But ultimately I decided it was simply too subtle to make my point convincingly. To me, the more directly obvious carryover is the downwards arpeggio thing from the underwater scene in s2e2, which reminds us that this guy is long gone. Further, I think the generally different progressions than most of what came before supports that the whole cue is trying to go in different directions. The scene, after all, is about abandoning old paradigms that no longer serve you. But you can definately make the argument that his theme is there, subtly hiding in the background like a phantom, in tattered pieces, a mere whisper of its former self. No one can escape the influence of a parent/guardian entirely, and it does fit with the way the melody was starting to lose cohesion earlier in the season.
@@BrianLaGuardiaAaa, cool, you've noticed the minor third too! Also, while I didn't catch the arpeggios myself, after I've had a look at it, I find it really interesting how and why they've decided to make the articulation of the notes different (while in s2ep2, the notes are connected into groups of two, while in the final scene, they seem to take on more of a staccato/portato approach, while still retaining a consistent melodic throughline), but I guess this could be explained by (as you've said) them wanting to go in a different direction compared to the other scenes before. The music of Arcane is really fascinating, and I'm sure there are many more subtle details in it, waiting to be discovered.
the silco theme always sounded like a variant of the "dear friend across the river" motif that powder sang at the beginning, but just slightly different enough to be its own thing. the song was very representative of the conflict for zaun's independence which makes sense considering what that meant to him
So many people tout and praise the soundtrack of Arcane, especially season 2 but so few mention or appreciate the score, which is one of my favorites, right up there with Kevin Penkin's 'Made in Abyss' score. It's so nuanced and evokes all manner of emotions, even when removed from the context of the scene in which it's used. It's so focused and singularly intent. It's not a generic construct to enhance a scene. It's an integral part of the scene...."and for that, I thank you."
@@welayinthorns747 That symbiosis is often overlooked, but when it's done well it's magic. Music can transform the entire subtext of a scene on its own.
I have no previous knowledge of music theory but your explanation was really insightful, I like watching this type of videos to notice the little details I otherwise wouldn't. Great work 👍
Arcane is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. And this is the single best Arcane analysis I've seen, musical or otherwise! If you've got the time/interest, please keep making stuff like this Brian
This is very well made! Congrats on capturing the algorithm enough to pop up in my recommended! Please do more of these! Id love to hear an analysis on Ambessa and her relationship with Mel.
I know this is a score analysis but Mako's channel has a bunch of videos on how he adapted the soundtrack to the actual series too that I greatly enjoyed.
Now this could be a total musical coincidence but I find it interesting anyways - the first two notes of Silco’s theme sound like Dynasties and Dystopia’s first two notes reversed. The two notes in the main melody of Dynasties and Dystopias after that sound like the G sharp and natural in Silco’s theme without the A.
Absolutely loved this breakdown and also the other two videos you recommended!! With a show this incredible and intricate, are there any other themes the other videos may have missed? I would love to see more of your Arcane deep dives!!
@@BrianLaGuardia Awesome!! Also, I don't know if this is anything, but I noticed the video on Arcane S2 has a whole section on Caitlin's theme in season 2, but doesn't mention anything about her in season 1 (as far as I noticed!). I'm wondering if the roots of her theme are imbedded in season 1 the way Viktor's were and whether they tell us anything about her character shift between seasons 1 and 2.
I'm also curious as to whether Mel has her own theme and if it becomes more apparent in S2 when we get moments just with her (and the Black Rose). Or if there are ever less battle-heavy themes that play when we have Ambessa interacting with Mel.
I dunno if there's much more to say between this video and the two-part Cel Shaded analysis, but if I find anything else that was missed I'll surely make another one.
very technical analysis i think i got it . all talk about the big song of the show , which are great, but if weren't for you i would have missed this precious information . Riot games has some of the best musician e composer of the industry. Well put video and thank you for noticing this details, BRAVO !!
LOL yeah those time signatures are shocking for those not used to the film scoring/recording world, but they are standard in those situations. It helps the conductor when they are essentially sight reading potentially very complex charts. Even for the players, the time signautres are generally larger and more pronounced. Sight reading is hard enough, it's always best to give the players every advantage you can, because it helps avoid wasting (potentiallly very expensive) time on the stage.
where did you get the notes? plzz i need them ive been searching for them for months! great vid btw the score of arcane is'nt talked about as much as it should
I don't have any sheet music for this. I transcribed all of this by ear. I make a significant portion of my income as an arranger, which involves a lot of transcription and then fleshing out for live ensembles. I don't claim that the notaiton is 100% exactly what was on the stands in sketch form but it's close enough to get my points accross.
I know this is stupid and unrelated but it kinda itched me. It is not necessary to write down the natural sign by the note if the altered one is within a different measure.
@davide.schiaffino Technically true but courtesy accidentals are the norm in recording session situations, which this would have been, and I also assumed it would be clearer to those without a music background.
I don't have any sheet music for this. I transcribed all of this by ear. I make a significant portion of my income as an arranger, which involves a lot of transcription and then fleshing out for live ensembles. I don't claim that the notaiton is 100% exactly what was on the stands in sketch form but it's close enough to get my points accross.
Actually (and I could be overanalyzing here), the final scene does seem to elude to Silco's theme in a way. At the point when the violoncello switches to treble clef, the soprano of the following two chords does seem to match the minor third that characterizes Silco's theme. On the other hand, the next two chords after that form a major third, maybe eluding to the whole major-minor opposition, but this could easally be a case of "finding what you were looking for", and/or just be coincidental.
Funny you should mention that...I was considering adding that to the last section. But ultimately I decided it was simply too subtle to make my point convincingly. To me, the more directly obvious carryover is the downwards arpeggio thing from the underwater scene in s2e2, which reminds us that this guy is long gone. Further, I think the generally different progressions than most of what came before supports that the whole cue is trying to go in different directions. The scene, after all, is about abandoning old paradigms that no longer serve you. But you can definately make the argument that his theme is there, subtly hiding in the background like a phantom, in tattered pieces, a mere whisper of its former self. No one can escape the influence of a parent/guardian entirely, and it does fit with the way the melody was starting to lose cohesion earlier in the season.
@@BrianLaGuardiaAaa, cool, you've noticed the minor third too! Also, while I didn't catch the arpeggios myself, after I've had a look at it, I find it really interesting how and why they've decided to make the articulation of the notes different (while in s2ep2, the notes are connected into groups of two, while in the final scene, they seem to take on more of a staccato/portato approach, while still retaining a consistent melodic throughline), but I guess this could be explained by (as you've said) them wanting to go in a different direction compared to the other scenes before. The music of Arcane is really fascinating, and I'm sure there are many more subtle details in it, waiting to be discovered.
there is no such thing as overanalyzing arcane, speak your truth
the silco theme always sounded like a variant of the "dear friend across the river" motif that powder sang at the beginning, but just slightly different enough to be its own thing. the song was very representative of the conflict for zaun's independence which makes sense considering what that meant to him
Huh... That's kinda sad.
Given how much thought was put into this score, it wouldn't surprise me if that was part of the thematic writing process.
So many people tout and praise the soundtrack of Arcane, especially season 2 but so few mention or appreciate the score, which is one of my favorites, right up there with Kevin Penkin's 'Made in Abyss' score. It's so nuanced and evokes all manner of emotions, even when removed from the context of the scene in which it's used. It's so focused and singularly intent. It's not a generic construct to enhance a scene. It's an integral part of the scene...."and for that, I thank you."
@@charlestonjew7587 Couldn't have put it better myself. Wallpaper music this ain't. I'll have to check out Made in Abyss!
@@BrianLaGuardia + on the kevin penkin claim, fantastic score!
Facts 🔥
I can never escape this man
I love that you cried at the season two water scene because me too friend… me too..
Every single time
I was barely holding it together lol
I've waited 3 years for an analysis like this, thank you for realizing my dream!!
Check out the links I posted too! Cel Shaded Music Theory did a phenomonal job on the rest of the thematic material, especially in Part II.
I changed my major from music to psychology, glad to still be learning here -it was more informative than my classes haha🙏
I also just took a film class -this video is great for explaining how the two work together to emit certain emotions/build connections
@@welayinthorns747 That symbiosis is often overlooked, but when it's done well it's magic. Music can transform the entire subtext of a scene on its own.
It's crazy how much story can be told with a few notes
I have no previous knowledge of music theory but your explanation was really insightful, I like watching this type of videos to notice the little details I otherwise wouldn't. Great work 👍
I'm glad you still found it engaging! :) Thanks for watching!
Arcane is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. And this is the single best Arcane analysis I've seen, musical or otherwise!
If you've got the time/interest, please keep making stuff like this Brian
Thanks! :) I definitely want to do more of this in the future as I can.
This is very well made! Congrats on capturing the algorithm enough to pop up in my recommended! Please do more of these! Id love to hear an analysis on Ambessa and her relationship with Mel.
Modern day musical honestly.
Thank you. Music analysis of arcane is always the best!
I know this is a score analysis but Mako's channel has a bunch of videos on how he adapted the soundtrack to the actual series too that I greatly enjoyed.
this is an incredible analysis. truly unique and intriguing well done
Now this could be a total musical coincidence but I find it interesting anyways - the first two notes of Silco’s theme sound like Dynasties and Dystopia’s first two notes reversed. The two notes in the main melody of Dynasties and Dystopias after that sound like the G sharp and natural in Silco’s theme without the A.
You're doing the lord's work
Great Analysis, and great video, Brian!
Thanks, man!
Silco is my favorite character, love your analysis
I would love to see a continuation of videos about Arcane.
Thank you so much for this video!
such an amazing video. love seeing how much intricacy and detail is put into every single aspect of this show. truly a masterpiece!
Absolutely loved this breakdown and also the other two videos you recommended!! With a show this incredible and intricate, are there any other themes the other videos may have missed? I would love to see more of your Arcane deep dives!!
@ingrid_farrell I dunno, possibly! If I find any others I'll surely make another vid.
@@BrianLaGuardia Awesome!!
Also, I don't know if this is anything, but I noticed the video on Arcane S2 has a whole section on Caitlin's theme in season 2, but doesn't mention anything about her in season 1 (as far as I noticed!). I'm wondering if the roots of her theme are imbedded in season 1 the way Viktor's were and whether they tell us anything about her character shift between seasons 1 and 2.
I'm also curious as to whether Mel has her own theme and if it becomes more apparent in S2 when we get moments just with her (and the Black Rose). Or if there are ever less battle-heavy themes that play when we have Ambessa interacting with Mel.
Amazing video thanks for making it. Would love to see more arcane score analysis!
I dunno if there's much more to say between this video and the two-part Cel Shaded analysis, but if I find anything else that was missed I'll surely make another one.
This is amazing Brian!!!
Thanks! Means a lot coming from you, Chops. :)
Omg I think I’m your 600th subscriber
Also good video!!
Appreciate the sub!
Great video ❤
this is amazing
very technical analysis i think i got it . all talk about the big song of the show , which are great, but if weren't for you i would have missed this precious information . Riot games has some of the best musician e composer of the industry. Well put video and thank you for noticing this details, BRAVO !!
So good
This video.. I like it! Another!
Yes, sir!
Arcane's a true masterpiece, and this video is further evidence as to why
Crazy, do you know they named a airport after you?
@halliwedge lol you jest but I think Fiorello was a distant relative of mine.
idk but i felt like i was shot in the heart wen the 4/4 time sig was stretched instead of using c 😂
LOL yeah those time signatures are shocking for those not used to the film scoring/recording world, but they are standard in those situations. It helps the conductor when they are essentially sight reading potentially very complex charts. Even for the players, the time signautres are generally larger and more pronounced. Sight reading is hard enough, it's always best to give the players every advantage you can, because it helps avoid wasting (potentiallly very expensive) time on the stage.
ur amazinf and so smart and amazing
where did you get the notes? plzz i need them ive been searching for them for months!
great vid btw the score of arcane is'nt talked about as much as it should
I don't have any sheet music for this. I transcribed all of this by ear. I make a significant portion of my income as an arranger, which involves a lot of transcription and then fleshing out for live ensembles. I don't claim that the notaiton is 100% exactly what was on the stands in sketch form but it's close enough to get my points accross.
@jangoisbaddest got it. Thanks anyway
I know this is stupid and unrelated but it kinda itched me. It is not necessary to write down the natural sign by the note if the altered one is within a different measure.
@davide.schiaffino Technically true but courtesy accidentals are the norm in recording session situations, which this would have been, and I also assumed it would be clearer to those without a music background.
@@BrianLaGuardia Yea, true too, it's not necessary but it's not a bad thing to include them anyway.
Where do you find the sheet music for this?
I don't have any sheet music for this. I transcribed all of this by ear. I make a significant portion of my income as an arranger, which involves a lot of transcription and then fleshing out for live ensembles. I don't claim that the notaiton is 100% exactly what was on the stands in sketch form but it's close enough to get my points accross.