Film Music Composition

These flashcards cover important concepts related to film music composition, including musical elements, techniques, and roles of music in film.

What do film composers use to create mood and atmosphere in film music?

Musical elements such as tempo, texture, dynamics, timbre, tonality, rhythm, melody, and harmony.

What musical elements might be used in a sad, reflective scene?

Slow tempo, minor tonality, soft dynamics, legato, homophonic texture, long sustained notes, and a conjunct melody.

How might the music differ in an exciting car chase scene?

Fast tempo, busy polyphonic texture, dissonant chords, loud dynamics, syncopated rhythms, a disjunct melody, and short riffs.

What is an interval in music?

The distance between two notes.

What effect does a rising perfect fourth interval typically create?

Sounds heroic.

What term describes a rapid glide over the notes?

Glissando.

What is a motif in film music?

A recurring musical idea linked to a character, object, or place.

What is the main tune or melody of a piece of music called?

The theme.

What dynamic technique can change or dampen the sound of brass or string instruments?

Using a mute.

What is the technique called when notes are played smoothly?

Legato.

What is the term for a short musical idea that can be melodic or rhythmic?

Motif.