Meaning: This quote by William Bolcom, a renowned composer, underscores the idea that when creating music for a play, book, or movie, there should be an intention to go beyond simply honoring the original source material. Bolcom suggests that composers should aim to explore and highlight aspects that the original work may not have been able to convey through other mediums. This approach allows composers to add value to the original material and offer a fresh perspective to the audience.

When analyzing this quote, it's important to consider the role of music in storytelling. Music has the power to evoke emotions, set the mood, and enhance the narrative of a play, book, or movie. Composers have the unique ability to delve into the underlying themes, characters, and settings of the original work and bring them to life through their musical compositions.

Bolcom's emphasis on exploring aspects that the original play couldn't do suggests that music can offer a new dimension to the storytelling process. While a play or a book relies on dialogue, descriptions, and actions to convey its message, music can transcend language barriers and communicate emotions and themes directly to the audience. This adds depth and nuance to the overall experience, enriching the audience's understanding and appreciation of the story being told.

In practical terms, this approach encourages composers to be innovative and thoughtful in their compositions. Rather than simply creating music that mirrors the events on stage or the words on the page, composers are challenged to interpret the underlying emotions, conflicts, and motivations of the characters. By doing so, they can create musical landscapes that amplify the original material and provide a unique perspective that complements the existing narrative.

One example of this approach can be seen in the world of film scoring. A film composer may choose to emphasize a character's internal struggle through a haunting melody, or use dissonant chords to underscore a moment of tension or conflict. In doing so, the composer adds a layer of complexity to the storytelling, offering the audience insights and emotions that may not be explicitly stated in the dialogue or action on screen.

Similarly, in the realm of musical theater, composers have the opportunity to delve into the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters through their music. By composing songs that reflect the characters' desires, fears, and aspirations, the music becomes a powerful tool for connecting the audience to the characters on a deeper level. This goes beyond simply providing a pleasant accompaniment to the action on stage; it becomes an integral part of the storytelling process.

Bolcom's quote also speaks to the idea of artistic interpretation and reinterpretation. When creating music for an existing work, composers are not bound by the limitations of the original medium. Instead, they have the freedom to reimagine and reinterpret the themes and motifs in a way that is uniquely suited to the language of music. This creative freedom allows composers to breathe new life into familiar stories, offering audiences a fresh perspective and a renewed appreciation for the source material.

In conclusion, William Bolcom's quote encapsulates the idea that music has the power to enhance and expand upon the storytelling of a play, book, or movie. By exploring aspects of the original material that may have been left unexplored, composers can create compositions that not only honor the source material but also offer new insights and emotional depth to the audience. This approach encourages composers to be thoughtful, innovative, and creative in their musical interpretations, ultimately enriching the overall experience for the audience.