The role of music in the cinema is fundamental, and it is that it helps to create atmospheres according to the performance and transport the viewer to where the film requires. Soundtracks in particular always have a prominent role in feature films, and it has been so throughout the film industry with many examples demonstrating this relevance. How has classical music influenced soundtracks?
The harmonies also help to identify any movie more easily. Just by hearing the first few chords of the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' or 'The Godfather soundtrack, most people would be able to recognize them without a doubt, which gives them a magnitude beyond the screen.
In this way, in this article, we will analyze the function of music in the cinema, and more specifically how classical music has appeared in it to further enrich and improve the seventh art.
The influence of classical music on cinema
Among soundtracks, the influence of classical music is undeniable. While many explore other genres, most of the most recognizable fall within it. It has left a lasting mark on cinema due to its power to evoke intense emotions. Classical compositions are capable of transporting the viewer to different places or times.
Some of the most recognized movies have made magnificent use of classical music to emphasize their scenes. An example of this is '2001: A Space Odyssey' by director Stanley Kubrick, where Richard Strauss 's 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra' sounds in the prologue.
'The Godfather
We start with an authentic classic recognizable by all of us, even without having seen the movie. Composed by Nino Rota, this soundtrack has become one of the most iconic in history. The main piece of it, known as 'The Godfather theme', expresses perfect emotions and adapts to the plot.
The original soundtrack was composed by Nino Rota, in collaboration with Carlo Savina in part I and with Carmine Coppola in part II, and the latter was the composer of the music for part III, where Rota's themes are included.
In addition to the original compositions, a large number of licensed tracks by other artists are included, such as Benny Goodman, Louis Prima, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Cosby.
'The Black Swan
The following example is more recent, and it is that this soundtrack presents excerpts from Tchaikovsky 's work 'Swan Lake', mixed with electronic sounds that reflect the mental deterioration of the protagonist, key in the plot. Thus, Mansell decided to use Tchaikovsky's music and join it to his own to intertwine it and reflect the protagonist's obsession with ballet.
Harry Potter Saga
In this blog, we have already talked several times about the soundtrack of Harry Potter, and it is that the Madrid Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir paid tribute to this film saga with a concert interpreting its beautiful soundtrack. Composers for his music in all eight films were John Williams, Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hooper, and Alexandre Desplat.
These have been highly praised and, without a doubt, give the saga the necessary magical touch to make it a success. Since its premiere in 2001, several generations have grown up with it and its soundtrack excites all fans, managing to enhance its quality.
Best-known classical music soundtracks
The power of a soundtrack to take a movie to the top is very great. Therefore, here we list some of the most iconic that have created an unforgettable memory for all movie lovers.
We start with 'Jaws' (1975) by John Williams, which just listening to it already produces real terror in us. Continuing with this genre we find 'Psychosis' by Bernard Herrmann (1960), whose music is really distressing. To end the so-called scary movies, we cannot forget 'The Exorcist' (1973) by Lalo Schifrin and Mike Oldfield.
Other true classics are 'Blade Runner' (1982) by Vangelis, 'The Last of the Mohicans (1992) by Randy Edelman, 'Taxi Driver' (1977) by Bernard Herrmann, 'Star Wars' or 'Superman' by John Williams, and ' The Splendor (1980) by Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind. Even so, there are many more worth mentioning, and that is that, although classical music has been widely used in classic films, it has also found its place in contemporary cinema. In many cases, composers have adapted and reimagined classic compositions to fit today's styles and genres, creating unique and exciting soundtracks.
film composers
At the beginning of the sound cinema, some classical music composers decided to enter this new world. Among them are Miklós Rózsa, Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, and Aaron Copland; exploring this new form of creation and handing over the baton to the new generations.
Among the most outstanding composers, we can find Hans Zimmer, one of the most popular in history and today. He is known for his career, putting soundtracks to movies like 'The Lion King', 'Interstellar', 'Gladiator', 'Pirates of the Caribbean' or the recent 'Dune'.
John Barry also stands out for being the musician in the 'James Bond' films, although he has also been present in other titles such as 'Chaplin', 'Dances With Wolves', 'Out of Africa' or 'Born Free'.
Other renowned composers are Ennio Morricone ('Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2', 'Inglourious Basterds'), Max Steiner ('Casablanca', 'Gone with the Wind'), Howard Shore ('The Silence of the Lambs ', 'The Lord of the Rings') or Anne Dudley ('Les Miserables', 'American History X').
The legacy of classical music in the cinema
Many of the classic compositions used in movies have become part of popular culture and have reached a wider audience thanks to this inclusion in the world of cinema. In the same way, the association between certain classic pieces and specific scenes or movies has made them highly recognizable.
Thus, classical music in film has helped foster a renewed interest in classical music in general, something very beneficial for this genre.
