Meaning: This quote by Alex North, a renowned composer, touches upon the concept of combining familiarity with a sense of strangeness in music. It reflects the idea of creating a unique and captivating musical experience by blending elements that are both recognizable and unfamiliar to the listener. This approach to composition can evoke a range of emotions and create a lasting impact on the audience. In this explanation, I will delve into the significance of this quote, Alex North's contributions to music, and the impact of combining familiarity and strangeness in composition.

Alex North was a prolific composer known for his work in film scores, classical music, and jazz. He was celebrated for his ability to infuse his compositions with emotional depth and innovation. Throughout his career, North demonstrated a keen understanding of the power of music to evoke emotions and transport listeners to different realms. His quote about the combination of familiarity and strangeness in music sheds light on his approach to composition and the creative process.

The concept of familiarity in music refers to elements that are recognizable and comforting to the listener. These could include familiar chord progressions, melodies, or instrumentation that resonate with the audience on a personal or cultural level. Familiarity in music can create a sense of connection and nostalgia, allowing listeners to engage with the composition on a deeper level. On the other hand, strangeness introduces elements that are unexpected, unconventional, or unfamiliar. This can include dissonant harmonies, unconventional time signatures, or unique instrumentation that challenges the listener's expectations.

When these two strands - familiarity and strangeness - are combined in a musical composition, they create a compelling and multi-dimensional listening experience. The familiar elements provide a sense of grounding and accessibility, while the strange elements add depth, complexity, and intrigue. This combination can captivate the listener's attention, inviting them to explore the nuances of the music and experience a range of emotions.

In the context of film scores, North's quote can be interpreted as a reflection of the power of music to enhance storytelling and evoke specific moods or atmospheres. By incorporating familiar musical motifs or themes alongside more unconventional or experimental elements, composers can enrich the cinematic experience and immerse viewers in the narrative. This approach allows composers to create an emotional resonance that lingers long after the movie has ended.

North's quote also speaks to the broader impact of music on the human psyche. The combination of familiarity and strangeness in music can stimulate the listener's imagination, provoke introspection, and evoke powerful emotional responses. It challenges the conventional boundaries of musical composition and encourages listeners to embrace new sonic experiences. This approach is not only relevant in the context of film scores but also in classical music, contemporary compositions, and other genres where composers seek to push the boundaries of creativity and expression.

In conclusion, Alex North's quote encapsulates the essence of his approach to music composition and the profound impact of combining familiarity with strangeness. By blending these two strands, composers have the power to create music that resonates deeply with audiences, evokes powerful emotions, and challenges preconceived notions of musical conventions. Alex North's legacy as a composer continues to inspire musicians to explore the boundaries of creativity and create music that is both familiar and wonderfully strange.