A working definition of film music – theory derived from practice Film music is often defined by where it appears: in films. Sometimes by how it sounds: orchestral, atmospheric, emotional. Sometimes by what it does: underscore, theme, background. All of these descriptions are true – and still insufficient. Because none of them explains what fundamentally … Read more
Tempo, rhythm, time – the foundation of film music, before harmony and themes When film music is discussed, the conversation usually starts with harmony, themes, or style. But long before a single chord is chosen, a film has already made a far more fundamental decision. Every film defines its own relationship to time. Film music … Read more
Underscoring – The art of musical invisibility Underscoring is a subtle but powerful technique in the world of film music. A well-made underscore enhances emotions without pushing itself to the fore. It is the art of using music in such a way that it supports the action without dominating it. Especially in scenes with a … Read more
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
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