Film Music Wider Listening

Question 1

What year was ‘On the Waterfront’ released?

Answer 1

1954

Question 2

Who composed the score for ‘On the Waterfront’?

Answer 2

Bernstein

Question 3

What structure is explored in Bernstein’s film score for ‘On the Waterfront’?

Answer 3

Use of Modern Fugue

Question 4

What does the Presto section in Bernstein’s score begin with?

Answer 4

Syncopated idea in timpani and piano

Question 5

What interval does the second timpani part enter at in Bernstein’s score?

Answer 5

Starts a tritone higher

Question 6

What effect does the use of a tritone create in ‘On the Waterfront’?

Answer 6

Dissonant fugal effect

Question 7

What musical elements does Bernstein use to create dissonance and uneasiness?

Answer 7

Augmented 4ths both melodically and harmonically

Question 8

How does the symphonic suite of ‘On the Waterfront’ begin?

Answer 8

Monophonic through a theme in the cor anglais

Question 9

What is the genre of the film ‘On the Waterfront’ reflected in the harmony?

Answer 9

Dissonant and nonfunctional harmony

Question 10

What motif is common in the horror film genre to add suspense?

Answer 10

Use of a semitone

Question 11

What motif does John Williams use in ‘Jaws’ to signal the audience?

Answer 11

Motif acts as a signal

Question 12

What feature of film music allows for memorable phrases?

Answer 12

Long sweeping melodies

Question 13

What composition technique does John Williams use in ‘ET Flying Theme’?

Answer 13

Use of sequences

Question 14

How does the start of John Williams’ ‘ET Flying Theme’ compare to Psycho’s Prelude?

Answer 14

Both are homorhythmic at the start

Question 15

What is the purpose of the homorhythmic texture in ‘ET Flying Theme’?

Answer 15

For excitement

Question 16

What characteristic of Williams’ harmony contrasts Hermann’s use?

Answer 16

Simple harmony with some added notes

Question 17

What does Bernstein’s use of dissonance and bitonality contribute to?

Answer 17

Dramatic music

Question 18

What is a key feature of the Psycho theme in contrast to shorter motifs?

Answer 18

Longer, sweeping melodies

Question 19

True or False: Bernstein’s score for ‘On the Waterfront’ uses functional harmony.

Answer 19

False

Question 20

Who composed the cue ‘Take her to sea Mr Murdock’?

Answer 20

James Horner

Question 21

What is the significance of the cue ‘Mistake of your life’ from The Duchess?

Answer 21

It represents the Duchess realizing the mistake she has made in her marriage.

Question 22

Which composer created the score for Planet of the Apes?

Answer 22

Jerry Goldsmith

Question 23

Which film score is associated with Danny Elfman?

Answer 23

Edward Scissorhands

Question 24

What technique does Elfman use in Edward Scissorhands to show excitement?

Answer 24

Synthesised voices used lyrically and rhythmically

Question 25

What role does the large orchestra play in film scores like Batman?

Answer 25

Creates excitement and mirrors the action on screen

Question 26

What does the low pedal in the bass at the start of a score represent?

Answer 26

The depth of the ocean and enormity of the ship

Question 27

What compositional techniques are used to reflect the ship setting off in film scores?

Answer 27

Changes in tempo and time signatures

Question 28

What does dissonance at the start of a score help to convey?

Answer 28

Uneasiness

Question 29

What rhythmic technique is employed at the start of scores?

Answer 29

Timpani ostinato

Question 30

What unconventional instruments does Elfman use to convey eeriness?

Answer 30

Synthesisers, sound effects, Celesta, and temple blocks

Question 31

What ethnic instrument does Goldsmith use in Planet of the Apes?

Answer 31

Boo bams

Question 32

What rhythmic features are common in driving ostinato rhythms?

Answer 32

Syncopation and frequent time signature changes

Question 33

What dominates the main title of a score similar to BoP1?

Answer 33

Childlike/magical celesta with high strings and choir 'ooh' and 'ah' countermelodies

Question 34

What tonalities are frequently used in soundtracks?

Answer 34

Minor tonalities with semitone movement in melodies

Question 35

What is the 'sighing' choir idea in film scores?

Answer 35

Exploration of choral sounds to evoke emotion

Question 36

What orchestral techniques are similar across various film scores?

Answer 36

Use of glissando's and harp flourishes before build ups

Question 37

In which time signature does the 'playful' bass clarinet appear in 'Castle on the Hill'?

Answer 37

3/4 time

Question 38

What are the main themes present in John Williams' scores for Superman and Star Wars?

Answer 38

'Superhero' elements and strong emphasis on brass instruments and fanfares

Question 39

What type of musical keys does John Williams primarily use in Superman and Star Wars?

Answer 39

Major keys instead of minor

Question 40

How do the harmonic structures in John Williams' scores for Superman and Star Wars differ from those in Batman?

Answer 40

Harmonic stability instead of chromaticism

Question 41

What type of leap is prominently featured in the leitmotif of Superman and Star Wars?

Answer 41

Perfect 5th leap

Question 42

What is a notable characteristic of Batman's leitmotif compared to Superman's?

Answer 42

Mainly consists of semitones