Music has the power to move each of us in different ways. Whether it is a musical, movie soundtrack, symphony, opera, famous song or a simple childhood tune taking us back to a memorable time and place, music can invoke a wide range of emotions. It can even tell a story.
Our hero gets the girl
When we set out to create Azul our goal was to use elements from Viva as the DNA or building blocks for the framework which this story revolves. We started with the popular pre-show performer as our hero who is transformed by their wondrous interactions with the inhabitants of this magical world.
In his “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” Joseph Campbell refers to this as the Hero’s Journey where the hero faces a number of challenges and tests eventually to awaken, realize and integrate with his true self. A famous example of this is the tone poem “Also Sprach Zarathustra” – Richard Strauss’ musical setting of Frederick Nietzsche’s same titled poem. You can either listen to an orchestral excerpt of listen to the opening to the movie “2001: A Space Odyssey”.
French Horn with photo credit by m.gifford
Another more modern example is John Williams’ score to the Star Wars films. Many of the characters have themes that accompany them. From the “Imperial March” also known as Darth Vader’s Theme to the beautiful horn solo sounding Leia’s theme and even a theme for the Force…as Luke contemplates his fate looking over a binary sunset on his home planet. Heard in the horns who can forget this brooding melody?
OK I must admit I am partial to the horn. In a former life I played horn professionally and have found some of the most important and powerful themes are given to the horns – listen to Richard Wagner, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, John Williams and you will see what I mean (click the blue arrows to play mp3 clips in the web page or click the song title to download and play on your computer directly)…
Back to the story…
Our hero’s theme is derived from the finale of Viva. Listen to the trumpets as they soar above the orchestra…
The composer of this original score, Marc Ouellette adapts the melody heard in the strings, voice and trumpet. Listen as our hero answers the call accepting the invitation to enter this magical world.
The melodic line follows the original melodic arc and is broadened into one of the most notable themes as our hero discovers love for the first time…
At the precise moment he is shot off the Russian Swing we hear the transformed theme as he passes through a Rite of Passage. Soaring above the water the hero awakens to his true self. As he progresses through his dives he realizes his full potential.
The finale is not just about the hero arriving, but becoming fully unified with his true self. The transformation is complete. Symbolizing his integration with this magical world the composer plays the original theme from the beginning (heard in the strings and later in the trumpets and guitar) in counterpoint with the new competed hero’s theme heard in the horns.
See what did I tell you – not only the most difficult instrument to play, but the one most used by composers to make a strong statement – Star Wars and Star Trek…
The actions happening in and around the water are reflected in the musical score. So, the next time you visit the park check out Azul again and see if you experience our story through actions and music.
I look forward to reading your comments and further discussions on this topic…cheers!
Chris Jordan
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does anyone know if the viva music will be sold at the seaworld stores now that the show is discontinued? i loved the music so much and it brings me back to my childhood when i first realized i wanted to work with animals. i would love to be able to buy the music.
Elaine,
The Viva music is very popular and we regularly receive inquiries about purchasing the music. Unfortunately, Sea World does not own the licensing rights to sell the music used for Viva. I can
send you a music list of the selections used for Viva.
We do own the rights to the Azul score – Similar to Shamu Believe which is why you will see that for
sale throughout our parks.
Thanks!
Chris
i would LOVE a list of viva selections. that would be ideal :]
Elaine,
It is a mix from the following selections -
Viva Music:
Pre Show: Cusco – “The Journey of Marco Polo”
Dive I: Pet Shop Boys – “Somewhere”
Lags I: Yanni – “Chameleon Days”
Synchronized Swim & Beluga Section: Inro Enigma – “Dream of the Dolphin”
Dive II: Blue Man Group – “ TV Song and Rods & Cones
Lag II: Jean Michael Jarre – “Calypso I”
Finale: Original SeaWorld Composition – “Journey to Amphibia” combined with Survivor soundtrack cuts, from the movie; “Survivor”.
Walkout: SeaWorld Original Compositions-“Cirque de la Mar” & “The Chase”
Cheers!
Chris
the song “Somewhere” i can not seem to find anywhere. i listened to it on youtube and it sounded NOTHING like the one used in the show. the song it viva sounds more like a special remix to me. can someone please reply and tell me more about that song? i really like the song! please reply and try to help me find the same mix in the show! it has been a hastle trying to find the exact song.
What a coincidence I’m reading this! My son and I visited the park yesterday, and after seeing and listening to the Azule show several times since the opening in February, I noted the central theme being played throughout the show. It’s as if the hero’s theme is evolving just as he is evolving and becoming more confident. The music reflects this. I have always loved listening to the finale in Viva; the trumpets took the theme for the Russian Swings to a new level. I was happy to read you used elements from Viva as the framework for Azule.
Thank you for explaining the progression of the music in this new and exciting show. I never knew about Joseph Campbell’s reference to the Hero’s Journey, but after reading it, I see this very clearly in the story of Azule; from the hero looking for a perfect seat for the show, in the ‘ordinary world’, to the end where he does get the girl from this ‘magical world’ and all of his experiences and challenges in between. Also, being a huge Cirque du Soleil fan, I was pleasantly surprised to hear Zaia’s Comissatio during our hero’s introduction and entrance into the stadium and Alegria’s Kalandiro after the show was finished. I have said many times how much Viva and Azule remind me of Cirque du Soleil – in music and in performance.
Well done to all of you! I am enjoying watching the cast of Azule become more comfortable and confident with the music and the routines. I loved Viva and this show is quickly becoming another huge favorite for us!
Michelle
Austin, TX
Michelle,
Thank you for your keen observations! I am sure I will see you and your son sitting front and center enjoying the experience!
Cheers!
Chris
Thank you so much!!!
does anybody know the name of the very first song that always played after the Viva pre-show?? i know It is called “somewhere” but when i heard the song on youtube it sounded nothing like the one used in the show. can someone help me out with this? i like the song a lot but please do not give me the list of music i am trying to find out if this song is a remix or not cause that is what it sounds like to me. just need to know the name of the mix if that is possible.
Let me do some home work and I will get back to you……thanks!
Chris
Please,please let me know what you find out!
have you found out anything yet??