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Honorary tenured advisor
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I somehow or another came across a youtube recording of a German police siren that was used in Poland during WWII. It had the familiar wee-yoo, wee-yoo sound that we are all familiar with on European emergency vehicles. That wee-yoo is a perfect fifth and as I heard it rocking back and forth through its cadence, I started to wonder if that siren sound was either an overt or possibly a subliminal inspiration for the same perfect fifth cadence that forms a major motif in John Williams, Shindler's List theme.
What do you think? If so, it would have certainly been appropriate since the sound of the German police siren no doubt sent a shiver up the spine of every Jew within hearing distance along with thoughts of, "Who are they coming for now? Is it me?"
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright
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That's a really insightful observation, @Uzi. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the inspiration for that refrain in the score.
The Wikipedia entry has a section on symbolism, but it's mostly about visuals and themes. I don't see anything about musical symbolism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.....r%27s_List
It would be interesting if we could ask John Williams about it.
When the work's all done and the sun's settin' low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
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@Uzi
Very interesting. I agree with Diane, it would be interesting to know.
I have been watching a tutorial on how to Play Schindler's List. I am in no way ready for it but watching the video helps me to see what skills I need to have.
Very interesting, subliminal message? Perhaps... I find the piece heartbreaking and haunting and beautiful. Are there lyrics... I will go check on that. If so, I haven't heard them.
In the video I am watching to learn.. she keeps calling it Romantic.. I get that romantic doesn't always me "goo and roses.. " etc... I get that.. it just seems weird for me.. maybe a further search into this and I will find more.
I will do some reading online to see what I find also.
Thanks for the "food for thought."
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
Honorary tenured advisor
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@coolpinkone in the context of violin, romantic can either indicate a period in the 19th century, or a playing style. In the case of Shindler's List, it indicates the playing style, which includes the use of heavy vibrato and distinctly audible slides between notes when shifting positions.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright
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@Uzi thank you.
What you described is what I was thinking. The playing style. The video does provide instructions on the audible slide shifting.. that isn't what she calls it.. but Yes, how your described it. 
Thanks again.
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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