Fact Finder - Movies

Fact
The Tuba and the Close Encounters 'Hello'
Category
Movies
Subcategory
Movie Quotes
Country
USA
Description
In 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' the quote 'Play the five notes' leads to the first communication with extraterrestrials. While the Mothership communicates with high-pitched synthesizers, the Earth team uses a giant synthesizer linked to light panels. The most ground-shaking response from the aliens, however, is a thundering, low-frequency blast. To achieve this 'voice of God' sound, John Williams utilized the tuba. By having the tuba play in its lowest register, he provided a physical vibration that audiences felt in their chests. This choice turned the tuba into an instrument of cosmic dialogue, proving that the largest brass instrument can hold its own against high-tech synthesizers to define a movie legend and the moment humans first 'spoke' to the stars.