Lesson details
Key learning points
- Film composers use different genres to help set the film in a time or place, and to create an appropriate mood.
- They also use specific instrumental clichés to create effects.
- These include using arco strings for emotional moments and brass to represent important or heroic characters.
- Developing the texture allows film composers to balance variety and repetition, and to build energy.
Keywords
Ostinato - a repeating musical idea that forms the basis of a composition (or section)
Genre - a category of music that has shared characteristics (e.g. jazz)
Texture - how many layers of sound are heard at the same time and how they fit together
Musical cliché - a commonly used musical idea or association
Common misconception
The genre of the music tells us exactly what kind of film it is.
This is not always true. Sometimes composers deliberately use genres that go against expectations. This might be for humour, or to create a strange clash. A good example would be A Knight's Tale, which uses modern genres in a medieval film.
Equipment
DAW, keyboard or other suitable instrument as a composition tool.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In films, a short recurring musical idea linked to a character, place, or idea is called __________.
Q2.When music is part of the story world and characters can hear it, what is it called?
Q3.What do we call the technique where film music follows a character’s actions exactly?
Q4.Which of these scenes best shows mickey-mousing?
Q5.How does music help audiences understand characters in a film?
Q6.Which of these is a way music sets the scene in films?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which genre with driving rhythms is often used to create energy and excitement?
Q2.Which genre is often used to create a sense of mystery?
Q3.A musical cliché is a __________.
Q4.Match each instrument family to its typical film association.
royal or military themes
emotional or romantic scenes
action or battle scenes
pastoral or natural settings