Weekly Review No. 7 | The Magic of Orchestration: Into the Unknown

The Magic of Orchestration Clip | Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2 | Disney+

Review

There are several videos online that show the orchestration of songs. But this particularly cohesive music score, to me, had a certain charm to it because it’s from Frozen. What really struck me were the technicalities of recording the performance. There must have been a number of takes, but it is very much live. Being orchestrated by the conductor. I like the togetherness of the musical production; between actors, musicians, and producers. As much as there is an uncontested sense of unity in the orchestra itself. The Magic of Orchestration is one and the first of a six-part documentary series on the making of Frozen 2, produced by Lincoln Square Productions and Walt Disney Animation Studios.

With director Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee was the director/writer/chief creative officer of the animated feature films. It must be nerve-wracking to create a character’s story. Then overwhelming to see the character come to life. Both through the animated version and the voice of Idina Menzel. We cannot leave without mentioning the songwriters, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez who created a wonderful score. For creating a song that continues to be heard in the presence of toddlers and children, and adults.

AURORA – Frozen 2 – “INTO THE UNKNOWN” (Behind The Scenes Recording)

What really makes the song stand out as it progresses are the bursts of the French horn. Which Kristen makes reference to at the beginning of the video. Also, as the otherworldly voice of the North Wind is Norwegian singer-songwriter, AURORA. Even though she isn’t shown in the video, AURORA is a very significant part of the song. Well-suited to guide Elsa’s path to discovering herself.

I followed this by listening to Christopher Siu’s orchestration breakdown of a cover of the song by Foxchase. I tried my best to follow his explanation but cannot. However, it is very impressive. I noted down some of the terms which I looked up, and have placed them together here if ever you’re interested to find out what they mean.

I will now go on to spam you with more videos.

‘Into The Unknown’ Cover (Frozen 2): Orchestration Breakdown

Link | Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP0ZPmVoIkI&t=53s

Foxchase – Into The Unknown (Originally by Panic! At The Disco for Frozen 2)

TAEYEON – Into the Unknown (From “Frozen 2”/Official Video)

Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLj0MyVyhaU