Blog: Music and Memories at the Oscars

Oscar proves that it never like to be presumed upon or do as critics think it will. Oscar knows best. 

Winners were spread across the board. That's refreshing from the past sweeps's with only one or two films garnishing five to ten awards. But with so much that could, has and will be said, lets reflect a moment on the music used.

A new format has emerged with Seth MacFarlane's  personality somewhere between Chris Rock and Billy Crystal.  He was not mean spirited like Ricky Gervais, but more playful. His wit and irreverent remarks were salt and peppered between memorable moments and classic film music.

Music and Bond and Bond Music entertained.Discretely the Oscar orchestra underscored the event with themes from classic films, such as "The Magnificent Seven,"  "Exodus," "Lawrencen of Aribia."

Even the commercials, which was the most artfully crafted directing of the show, using film music from "La Vie En Rose" and "Titanic". Not so discretely was the theme from "Jaws" played whenever an award winner was talking longer than the event director wanted. They were given a musical hook, that was spooky and odd, but effective.

The exception to this was when QuentinTarantion was yapping about his films, he presumes to be classic in 30 or 50 years from now (maybe they will but it's more appealing to not hear such self-aggrandizement in an acceptance speech). Instead of using "Jaws" which would have been very  appropriate, the Oscar orchestra played Tara's Theme from "Gone with the Wind."

This seemed very bizarre. Except that they did use it again at a more appropriate moment.  Special songs surprised the audience,with a surprise appearance of Barbara Streisand's tribute to late songwriter Marvin Hamlish's singing "The Way We Were."

Shirley Basset bellowing out the song from "Goldfinger," along with what would be expected of tributes to the films that were used this year, from "Les Miserables" chorus and Adele's Oscar award winning "Skyfall."

Classic presenters like Jack Nicholson, Jane Fonda and Michael Douglas reminded us of Oscars more recent history while a new format and host helped to marble in a contemporary look at Oscars. A serious event, but not to be taken to seriously.