Film music
Films were silent until technology developed to include sound in the 1930s. The first fully composed film was King Kong in 1933.
The music to King Kong included A short melody used to represent a specific character, object or emotion. and A short musical phrase which is used and repeated - and sometimes developed - within a composition. It is sometimes referred to as the subject., not just background music like previous film compositions. Leitmotifs are recognisable and recurring musical ideas relate to a character, object or emotion. Music became important within films and was recognised by the Oscars in 1935 when the award Best Original Film was introduced.
Leitmotifs
John Williams is a master of writing strong leitmotifs for blockbuster films. Below are some the most recognisable ones.
Darth Vader
This leitmotif is heard when Darth Vader or the Galactic Empire appears on screen
Jaws
The increasing intensity of the rhythm signifies the shark getting closer to its prey
Superman
The leaping intervals in the melody between from the tonic to the fourths and fifths represents the pureness of the film's hero
As a character’s mood changes, so does the leitmotif in terms of pitch, rhythm or other forms of melodic development.
This is also shown in the main theme for the Star Wars. The score opens with a bright Short brass feature, usually including leaps and dotted rhythms. A group of three equal length notes played in the space of two, eg three quavers played in the space of two quavers. rhythm in bars 1 to 3 and the orchestra launches into the heroic Skywalker Leitmotif in bar 4. The Skywalker Leitmotif is repeated a number of times by the brass section and is instantly recognisable.
Common features of film compositions
- VaryingThe instruments used in a composition or performance. - depending on the genre or budget of the film, the amount or type of ensemble can change. For example Star Wars utilises a full-size orchestra, whereas a film like Blade Runner uses mainly An electronic keyboard that allows the player to change the sound.
- No set structure - the music accompanies what happens on the screen. This means that the lengths of bars and lengths of A short section of music, normally a melody, that could be thought of as a musical sentence. Phrases are like building blocks in music. need to react at any given point.
- Leitmotif - an instantly recognisable theme that represents a character in the film. The initial idea is then developed in tandem with the character’s story and the repeating A repeated melodic or rhythmic pattern. In film music an ostinato can create energy, excitement or tension. in the music help with this.
- Wide range ofRefers to the softness or loudness of a piece of music.and expression - the music needs to reflect the screen visuals. For example, if there is a car chase onscreen, then the music should be quick in The speed that the music is played at..
- Non-Melody or harmony which uses pitches of the given key.Adding melodic layers to a tune that usually sound pleasing when played together. - the build-up and release of tension in a film score is an important device. Creating When at least one note conflicts with the harmony of the chord or key signature.A collection of usually three notes played together. and playing them at the right time can have an impact on the film’s storytelling.
- Frequent changes ofRegular pattern of beats and is indicated by a time signature. (time signature) - convey what is happening on screen.
- Harmony built on an interval of a fourth. - harmonies that are built upon Distance between two notes. of fourths, which creates a feeling of suspense.
- Frequent tempo changes - another way of conveying a change in mood in the film.
- Doubling of parts - to emphasise a part of the story, eg when a character is becoming stronger and is overcoming an enemy.