• The Anime Sound: An Analytical and Semiotic Study of Contemporary Anime Music

    Author(s):
    Tân Nazaré (see profile)
    Date:
    2023
    Subject(s):
    Animated films, Music theory, Aesthetics, Semiotics
    Item Type:
    Thesis
    Institution:
    McGill University
    Tag(s):
    anime, Japanese Popular Music, Music Aesthetics, Semiotics of Music
    Permanent URL:
    https://doi.org/10.17613/yk4j-fn98
    Abstract:
    This thesis discusses prominent musical elements found in anime (Japanese animation). The resulting analyses show that several elements contribute to extramusical expression (emotion, storytelling) and meaning (aesthetics, sociocultural values, identity). The research material in this thesis situates anime music in both the topics of global pop music theory and media studies, particularly Japanese aesthetics in entertainment multimedia. Analyses and discussions presented in this thesis benefited from academic discourse in the field of music theory, specifically pop music theory (Peres 2016, Biamonte 2010, Duinker 2019) and semiotics (Greimas 1970, Simeon 1996). To aid the unfamiliar reader, the first chapter (Introduction) should give sufficient background before tackling the three subsequent theoretical chapters. Prominent musical aspects in anime music, such as the opening sequence format (“OP format”), and the timbrally bright pre-introduction (“call section”) within the OP format, are both products of my research and analysis. Other musical aspects already discussed academically or in public music theory are further analysed here, such as the “Royal Road” progression and the “Japanese augmented sixth.” Readers from wider expertise within music, such as composition and global studies, should find in this thesis an introduction to the world of media music from across the globe.
    Metadata:
    xml
    Published as:
    Online publication     Show details
    Pub. URL:
    https://escholarship.mcgill.ca/concern/theses/hq37vt952
    Publisher:
    McGill University
    Pub. Date:
    7 July 2023
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    5 months ago
    License:
    Attribution

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