Meaning:
The quote by David Friedman gives us insight into the demanding nature of creating the music for the Disney film "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." The emphasis on needing a live, gigantic choir capable of singing high D's and holding them for 18 seconds, repeated 60 times, highlights the immense talent and precision required for the musical elements of the movie.
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame," released in 1996, is known for its powerful and emotionally resonant musical score composed by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The film's music plays a crucial role in conveying the depth of the characters' emotions and the grandeur of the setting, as well as driving the narrative forward. With this in mind, it becomes clear why such a demanding choir was necessary for the film's production.
The reference to "going to London" to find the singers implies that the creators were seeking out world-class talent for this specific task. London is renowned for its rich musical heritage and the presence of highly skilled performers, making it a natural choice for finding the caliber of singers required for such a challenging musical endeavor.
The request for singers who can hit high D's and sustain them for 18 seconds, repeated 60 times, underscores the exceptional vocal abilities needed for this particular project. This level of vocal performance goes beyond what is typically expected in many musical productions, demonstrating the exacting standards set by the creators to achieve their artistic vision.
The use of the word "gigantic" to describe the choir adds another layer of complexity to the task at hand. Not only did the singers need to possess extraordinary vocal prowess, but they also had to come together as a large ensemble to produce a sound that would be both powerful and harmonious. The scale of the choir reflects the epic scope of the film and the monumental nature of the musical numbers within it.
Furthermore, the fact that the creators emphasized the need for a live choir is significant. In an era when many film scores were being produced using synthesized or pre-recorded vocals, the decision to prioritize a live performance speaks to the desire to infuse the music with an authentic, organic quality. The nuances and emotional depth that live singers can bring to a performance are often unmatched by their digitized counterparts, and it is clear that the creators of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" recognized and valued this distinction.
In conclusion, David Friedman's quote sheds light on the extraordinary level of skill, dedication, and artistry that went into the creation of the musical elements of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." By seeking out a live, gigantic choir capable of meeting such exacting vocal demands, the creators ensured that the film's music would be nothing short of spectacular. The quote serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment to excellence that is a hallmark of Disney's animated masterpieces.