There was some brouhaha that we reported about the musical aspect of the Oscar ceremonies that some of our readers didn’t like at all and found highly specious. Basically it was rumored that Oscar show conductor composer Michael Giacchino was a little out of his element. We had no way to back this up other than a source who wrote us and an odd blogspot that popped up seemingly out of nowhere in a smear campaign against Giacchino. But who would want to smear him, seriously? (no offense dude, we love your scores)
But there was evidence at the Oscars of music trouble for anyone with eyes and ears. During the show, the orchestra was hidden from view (even though original reports said they’d be onstage the whole time) musical cues were flubbed a few times and Hugh Jackman even made reference to it once saying something like, “guys!” when a musical cue kept going while he was talking. When they did show the orchestra during the musical tribute number, the symphony musicians were obviously wearing headphones — something that is generally associated with playing to clicktrack (and why would you need a clicktrack if you have a conductor again?). To make matters worse it appeared pretty obvious to us that Beyoncé was lip-synching her performance.
We weren’t the only ones that noticed this. MTV thought it was pretty obvious too and asked the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences what the deal was. They delivered the classic non-denial denial.
“As is the case with any live event of this scale and scope, there are always elements of the show that are pre-recorded,” Leslie Unger, director of communications for the Academy, told MTV News. Really? Didn’t Bill Conti do it live for 25-odd years? A spokesperson for Beyoncé basically did not get back to MTV. Hmm, fishy? You bet. Just sayin’ people…
As someone who has done some conducting, I wouldn’t be surprised if a clicktrack was used for the “In Memoriam” segment. Not only is the orchestra backing up a vocalist, but they also have to stay in time with a pre-edited video that is being broadcast live. So, no shame in using a clicktrack. However, I would think this could be more easily accomplished with solely the conductor on headphones.
And, while I’m no fan of lip-synching, in the Musicals production number, I don’t think there was any way around it. With all the key changes, tempo changes, style changes, and starts and stops in that medley, it would be far too easy for any performer to screw it up. Remember, the Oscars telecast is not some Broadway show that gets rehearsed for months and months before they go into previews. In this case, the different elements practice on their own for a few weeks, and then come together pretty much at the last minute for a few run-throughs before having to perform the thing. And, unlike a stage show, they only get one shot at it.
Unfortunate? Yes. But not unreasonable.