batman returns danny elfman

Question 1

When was Danny Elfman born?

Answer 1

1953

Question 2

What is Elfman’s general approach to composing for film?

Answer 2

Scores music around leitmotifs then develops them through variations
Use of thematic development shows influence from composers eg Bernard Herrman

Question 3

describe the themes of the main characters

Answer 3

each has own theme - catwoman & penguin themes are similar (could be argued that they are a variation of each other)
- but differences occur in the orchestration
Catwoman - uses a ‘1960s slinky, bending style of strings’ & high pitched glissandi & dissonant clusters
Penguin - more ‘theatrical’ orchestration using choir & pipe organ & full orchestra
Batman - as in original theme, brass used to identify the theme

Question 4

elfman’s approach to film scoring

Answer 4

strong resemblance to classic film scoring & that of John Williams
main themes written in a large orchestral score
- including contrabass clarinet, contrabassoon, pipe organ, harp, celeste, accordion, vibraphone, temple blocks, tubular bells, sleigh bells, xylophone, marimba, piano, fairground steam organ, synth choir and choir

Question 5

performance directions and techniques in Batman Returns

Answer 5

very detailed performance direction ith regards to dynamics, articulation and phrasing
orchestral writing here includes many playing techniques:
- arco & pizzicato
- tremolando bowing
- glissandi
- con sord
- oboe extreme vibrato
- horns stopped
- trumpet extreme lip trill
- cymbal and timpani roll
- flutter tonging
- snare drums with snares off
- percussion rolls

Question 6

how does elfman represent the plot / themes from the scene in birth of a penguin part 1

Answer 6

Cobblepots just given birth to a child but something is horrible wrong & they decide to abandon it in the sewers

• reflected in chilling way soundtrack opens with low notes on organ (one of the instruments associated with the penguin) over which batman theme is heard on horns
• children’s voices and music-box quality of celesta suggest innocence and contrast with sense of threat and danger provided by organ and orchestra
• 2 bar coda for harp and low strings accompanies a shot of cradle containing the penguin disappearing into sewer