History of Film Music

Question 1

Name the first “talkie” film.

Answer 1

The Jazz SInger 1927

Question 2

What was film music used to cover in the silent era?

Answer 2

projector, link scenes, mask dull bits, create a mood.

Question 3

When were silent films made in Australia?

Answer 3

Between 1906-1930.

Question 4

What were Australian silent films about?

Answer 4

social happenings, life, famous/infamous Australians.

Question 5

What are the characteristics of film music?

Answer 5

unobtrusive; guide emotions: time place and atmosphere; continuity.

Question 6

What was the main instrument used in silent film score?

Answer 6

piano

Question 7

When was music specially composed for film?

Answer 7

From 1930s and 40s. “Hollywood score.”

Question 8

What is diagetic music?

Answer 8

Any music that appears in the storyline

Question 9

What is non diagetic music?

Answer 9

Soundtrack of the film. Composed afterwards.

Question 10

What is source music?

Answer 10

Pre composed music used to assist the dramatic intent.

Question 11

What are the characteristics of villain music?

Answer 11

minor key, staccato, low register, sudden dynamic contrasts, tremolo

Question 12

What are the characteristics of chase music?

Answer 12

short notes, ascending sequences, fast temp, minor key, ostinatos

Question 13

What are the characteristics of hero music?

Answer 13

Arpeggios, dotted rhythms, fanfare style, major key, fast, middle regster

Question 14

What are the characteristics of pathos (sad) music?

Answer 14

minor key, tremolo, legato, middle register, ascending m6 interval.

Question 15

What are the characteristics of suspense?

Answer 15

accel. silence, staccato. extreme dynamics, minor, low register, ascending chromatic pattern

Question 16

What are the characteristics of Science fiction music?

Answer 16

synthesiser or organs, female voice, vibraphone (hazy effects) string harmonics, flute - high register, percussion effects.