Evolution of film music: From silent films to blockbusters to streaming The evolution of film music has been and remains fascinating – from the improvised piano accompaniments of the silent film era to the iconic orchestral scores for cinema blockbusters to modern, hybrid soundtracks that seamlessly integrate into the streaming age. Each era brought with … Read more
Psychology of film music: Why it works Film music has special abilities: it evokes emotions, changes the perception of scenes, and engages the audience more deeply in the plot. But why does film music have such a powerful effect on us? The answer lies in the psychology of listening and emotional processing. In this article, … Read more
The art of minimalist film music Minimalist film music focuses on conveying profound emotions using the simplest means possible. It eschews complex arrangements in favor of repetition, simplicity, and subtle variation. In this article, we’ll explore how, when, and why minimalist film music works—and how it’s used in different films. What is minimalist film music? … Read more
How streaming (has) changed film music, too We have fully arrived in the age of streaming. The way in which films and series are consumed has changed fundamentally thanks to platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime. This also affects film music and has both positive and negative aspects. Platforms such as Spotify and … Read more
Film music as an independent work of art: when does it work? Film music is primarily intended to support the plot of a film, reinforce emotions and shape the atmosphere. But sometimes a soundtrack detaches itself from its cinematic context – and is perceived as a work of art in its own right. But when … Read more
How music shapes expectations in films – and how this creates tension Music is a central element in creating tension in a movie. Tension is “only” the condensed form of a much more fundamental psychological mechanism – anticipation. Music can be used to shape, modulate and contrast emotional anticipations. The targeted use of melody, rhythm … Read more