La música de José Nieto para la ‘Trilogía Histórica’ de Vicente Aranda

Abstract

The special characteristics of film music mean that, from its very conception, composers are required to employ a large number of styles and stylistic resources in order to adapt their scores to the a particular production. The historical setting, cinematographic genre or the general tone of the film condition a soundtrack from the outset. This article examines three of José Nieto’s latest soundtracks for films by Vicente Aranda (Juana la Loca, Carmen, and Tirant lo Blanc), identifying both the characteristics that distinguish them, as well as those they have in common, the traits forming the backbone of the Madrilenian composer’s career. Similarly, the composer’s intention will also be discussed, as well as the functions his music carries out in these films.