Variable Area vs. Variable Density

Here is a good graphic illustrating the difference between variable density and variable area recording. The source of the image is Wikimedia Commons.

Update I realize the title might be a bit confusing. The image on the left is variable density, that on the right, variable area.

Rapee's Encyclopedia

Excerpts from Erno Rapee's Encyclopedia of Music for Pictures (1925).

Rapee was one of the most influential music directors in the New York picture palaces in the 1920s. He published two practical books on the subject, one meant for pianists and organists (Motion Picture Moods (1924)) and one for theater music directors (orchestra leaders), the Encyclopedia. I have posted the text of his long introduction to the Encyclopedia, a complete list of the topic categories (types of music, such as "mysterious" or "Oriental"), scanned graphics of pages for the entry "Agitato," and a text file with the works listed under "Love Themes."

Cognitive Study and Film

David Bordwell has two posts that nicely summarize the current state of research in cognition and film. He includes links that can be used to assemble a basic reading list in the area.

Ah, to have more Behind-the-Scenes docs...

I just discovered this today - a wonderfully all-encompassing mini-doc on the scoring process for King Kong. If only other films would do the same...and in at least as much detail...

Lapin's Musical Poster Frame

This is a device to create musical ballyhoo. The bells in the back of the sign would be triggered by the piano inside the theater.

Source: Moving Picture World, 25 September 1915, 2270.