Written for a visually lush Audubon documentary, this cue blends Native American flute and percussion with orchestral strings. The scene itself draws a visual analogy between a tribal dance and the animal – in this case, a sage grouse – that inspired it.

Film music often is called upon to evoke the sense of a culture through its indigenous music, while packaging it for Western sensibilities. There’s a delicate balance involved in suggesting a culture without caricaturing it. (Imagine the crashing gong that might herald an “Asian” character in a 1980s-era film.) My rule of thumb is that if ethnic music sounds like music, rather than a sound effect, then it’s more likely to succeed as tasteful commentary.

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	Sage Dance

In the movie Siren, the protagonist’s band (for whom we’re all rooting) competes in a giant battle of the bands, only to come in second place. They sulk in the green room, to the strains of this week’s music selection. Fortunately, the movie isn’t over at this point. Guitar props go to Tom Strahle, here channeling a little B.B. King.

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	Second Place Blues

This week’s selection is another cue from Against Time, this time a wistful interlude near the end of the film. Props again to the Budapest Film Orchestra (and their sensitive string section in particular).

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	A Last Look Around

This selection from the score of the film Against Time is one of my personal favorites, and features a lovely performance by the Budapest Film Orchestra.

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	The Treehouse

This week’s selection is a bouncy yet wistful mix of pitched percussion, flute, and upright bass.

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	The Aquarium