This is correct. While music can be enjoyed for it's own sake, of course, music scoring is a different animal, it must fit the visual. In the case of a 1:30 credit sequence it's even more important, it'll probably be tailored to the visuals to the audience that is specifically looking for that sequence. Eventually, we won't be able to separate our view of it as we get used to it.
I think the video I posted (even without the visuals) with cleaned up audio of the whole piece proves it works really well.
I think the video I posted (even without the visuals) with cleaned up audio of the whole piece proves it works really well.
That's not the best analogy. Madonna doesn't write her music for visuals. This music was written specifically based on visuals, characters and story - none of which I have experienced in their full context (at least not by me). Watch a show or film without the music, then tell me "the film's quality should 'never' be dependent on the music."
Yes, film music can be enjoyed apart from film, but it's original context is its marriage to the film, along with all of the other elements of the film. Any segment of the music can be crappy or hollow, or unenjoyable on its own. But in the context of the film, it can express just the right sound to accompany the pictures, the story, etc. On the other hand, a piece of music can be brilliant on its own, but it can also be totally wrong if its experience within a film doesn't feel right. And it's all subjective as well. So don't give me this "should never" crap.