Film Music

leitmotif

A brief, memorable musical phrase like a melody, chord progression, or rhythm associated with a character, idea, or emotion.

leitmotifs usage

Used in operas, instrumental music, film scores, and video games.

famous example of a leitmotif

Star Wars theme by John Williams.

leitmotifs in film

To represent characters, emotions, situations, or ideas.

composer of Star Wars leitmotifs

John Williams.

Luke Skywalker leitmotif

Represented by the hero's theme.

The Force leitmotif

Also called Obi-Wan Kenobi's theme.

Princess Leia leitmotif

Has her own theme.

Han and Leia leitmotif

Theme that plays during their scenes together.

Darth Vader leitmotif

Known as 'The Imperial March.'

Carl Stallings

A composer who worked on Warner Bros. cartoons after working for Walt Disney.

Carl Stallings' creation

Bar sheets - rhythmic sketches matched to animation scenes.

example of Carl Stallings' work

'Putty Tat Trouble' - featured musical quotes and jokes.

Long-Haired Hare

A Warner Bros. cartoon short directed by Chuck Jones with music by Carl Stallings.

theme in Long-Haired Hare

Highbrow (operatic arias) vs. lowbrow (folk and pop music) culture.