The Art of Ending a Song: Fade Outs vs. Proper Conclusions
The relationship between music and its context has always been intricate, especially when it comes to the endings of songs. Some performances conclude with a sudden stop, while others fade out gracefully. This article explores why and how songs are ended differently in concert versus radio versions, focusing on the contrast between fadeouts and proper endings. We'll also discuss the historical context and musical techniques behind these different approaches.
Understanding Fade Outs
The polate recording of "I Burn For You" from the film soundtrack Brimstone and Treacle provides a stark example of a songs ending with cut off. Simply hitting stop is an easy, albeit unconventional, way to conclude a track. However, such abrupt endings can be jarring, especially when contrasted with the more varied arrangements of the same song.
The choice of a fade out, on the other hand, offers a more professional and refined alternative. A fade out can be intentional, used to give the impression that the music is still going on, or simply a practical solution when a proper ending is hard to find. Fade outs allow for a smooth transition and provide a musical conclusion, making the experience more satisfying and coherent for the listeners.
Historical Context and Technical Advancements
Before the advent of electronic amplification, most songs ended with a clear climax and resolution. This was practical because amplifiers and volume controls introduced the possibility of fade outs. The ability to gradually decrease the volume provided a more subtle and artistic way to conclude a performance, especially for live radio broadcasts.
On sheet music, the phrase "repeat and fade" can be found, instructing the musicians to gradually turn down the volume, leading to a fade out. Some songs even provide an optional ending, which can be chosen as an alternative to the fade out, depending on the performance context.
Live Performances and Performance Techniques
For bassists in cover bands, determining how to end a song that fades out in the original recording is a common challenge. Experience often helps in inferring the original composer's intention, but sometimes a proper conclusion is not so easily discernible.
One common technique is to repeat the beginning of the song. This approach works well because it creates a sense of closure and continuity, especially if the beginning features a catchy hook. Another technique is to gradually build the tempo or intensity, creating a sense of resolution before easing into the fade out.
Conclusion
The way a song is ended is crucial to its overall impact and experience. Whether it's through a fade out or a more traditional conclusion, the method should enhance the musicality and context of the performance. By understanding the history and techniques behind different ending styles, musicians can better appreciate and execute the art of ending a song.