Music as a form of storytelling

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive exploration of the narrative dimension of music, building upon existing research through real-life implementations. Drawing on a diverse variety of data, we engage in qualitative analysis and case studies to investigate how independent musicians complexly craft stories through songwriting, scrutinising both lyrical and musical elements. Furthermore, we deepen into the main role of music in cinematic narratives, scrutinising how film composers augment storytelling through thematic motifs and innovative sound design techniques. Moreover, we examine the immersive qualities of video game music, emphasising its capacity to dynamically adapt to user choices and move narrative arcs forward. By synthesising insights from various disciplines, this interdisciplinary study gives a view on the creative processes and cultural significance of music within contemporary storytelling instruments. Through our research, we contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between music and narrative, offering valuable perspectives for both scholars and practitioners in the field.