Blog 9-Avatar

There are two distinct aspects to the soundtrack of Avatar. First there is the music of the Na'vi, the native people of Pandora. Their music culture is similar to aboriginal and indigenous tribes of Earth. The instruments are rudimentary since they are a simple, earthly people. Drumming is a major part of their music culture and also singing. The last scene in the movie where Jake leaves his human body and permanently becomes a Na'vi shows their music culture vividly. All the Na'vi are seated together holding on to each other and singing together while the spiritual leader chants interjected throughout and leads the group. It shows how connected they are to each other and also to nature. Nature is a huge part of their culture and is reflected into their music. Sounds of nature can be heard throughout their music. The interesting part was that it was familiar but very different at the same time. I could recognize it as a primitive cultures music, but could not pick out specific cultures, which was Wanda Bryant, James Horner, and James Cameron’s intent. The rest of the music for the soundtrack is distinctly different and more traditional. It is more complex and usually involves a large orchestra. It is more traditional and helps guide us through the movie. For example, the war scenes have war like music with drums booming and ominous sounding music. The song "I See You" by Leona Lewis is a good fusion of the two soundtracks. The chorus and some of the drumming sounds like the Na'vi while Leona and the other instruments sound traditional.