Batman - WL

Question 1

Jerry Goldsmith - Gremlins

Answer 1

Humorously chaotic atmosphere- like
clowns causing mischief in BvtC. bizarre
synthesised sounds mimicking the voices of
the gremlins.
Upbeat tempo,
Persistent quavers, 'Om-pah' ostinato,
syncopated rhythms.

Question 2

Wojciech Kilar - Dracula

Answer 2

Similar to Batman’s leitmotif. Both ‘dark’ characters
of the night (bat/vampire.) Same melody and
tonality with slight variation in rhythm, consists of
rising 4th and descending semitone
Low brass timbres
Triplet rhythm creating suspense in military march
manner

Question 3

John Williams - Superman/Starwars

Answer 3

Superhero’ elements: leitmotif has strong emphasis on
brass instruments and fanfares
Major keys used instead of minor (Batman is an
antihero)
Harmonic stability (as opposed to chromaticism). Uses
perfect 5th leap, Batman’s leitmotif mainly consists of
semitones.

Question 4

Jerry Goldsmith - Planet of the Apes ‘The Hunt’

Answer 4

Exploits instruments (muted brass, false harmonics on strings) uses timpani
rolls that crescendo to a climax.
Unconventional instruments give ‘other worldly’ feel. Elfman uses
synthesisers, sound effects and ‘childlike’ instruments like Celesta and temple
blocks to convey eeriness. Goldsmith uses ethnic instruments (boo bams) to
reflect the apes.
Driving ostinato rhythms, syncopation and frequent time signature changes,

Question 5

Danny Elfman - Edward Scissorhands

Answer 5

Main title has similar features to BoP1. childlike/magical celesta dominates
with high strings and Choir ‘ooh’ and ‘ah’ countermelodies.
Minor tonalities used in soundtrack with semitone movement in melodies.
‘Sighing’ choir idea explored
Similar use of instrumentation, (symphony orchestra) including glissando’s
and harp flourishes before build ups, ‘playful’ bass clarinet in 3/4 time (‘Castle
on the Hill