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What is “Ostinato?” An Ostinato is a musical phrase repeated in succession in a composition. Ostinatos usually display melodic and rhythmic qualities. They appear in a variety of musical genres, usually as a leading or supporting device. When writing music for media, an ostinato can be a valuable tool for creating a piece with a … Read more
This is an excerpt lesson from the [STUDY PACK] VARIOUS GENRES- MOVIE IDENT, SPOOKY, SUSPENSE, CRIME DRAMA. Complete editions of video lessons, music scores (PDF), score analysis (PDF), and HD music examples used in this lesson can be viewed here. Components of an Augmented Chord An augmented chord is a triad that consists of three … Read more
This post was brought to you in collaboration with our partner site Behind the Score. Discover the Harmony Secrets of Modern Film and Video Games. The Art of Film Music by George Burt Principles Of Orchestration By Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov The Study Of Orchestration By Samuel Adler Berklee Contemporary Music Notation by Jonathan Feist What is Metric Modulation? Metric modulation … Read more
Ennio Morricone: The Master of Cinematic Music Cover Photo by Flickr Ennio Morricone was an Italian composer, orchestrator, conductor, trumpeter, and pianist. He wrote music in a wide range of styles, but he is best known for his film scores. Morricone composed over 500 soundtracks for cinema and television, and his work has been featured … Read more
“Despite his untimely passing in 1975, Bernard Herrmann’s enduring legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, making him one of the most celebrated and influential composers in the history of film and music.” Brief Introduction to Bernard Herrmann Bernard Herrmann was a prolific and influential composer known for his remarkable contributions to film scores … Read more
DOUBLE HARMONIC MAJOR SCALE (BYZANTINE/ARABIC) – Scale Structure: 1 ♭2 3 4 5 ♭6 7– Characteristic Notes: ♭2 & ♮3, ♭6 & ♮7– Analogous to the fifth mode of the Hungarian Minor Scale The Double Harmonic Major originates from the traditional music of the Balkan Peninsula, the Middle East, and India. This series of notes … Read more
This article was written by Robin Hall, the co-author of the Behind the Score series. Recently, he sent an email to his friend who was seeking advice on how to enter the music industry. In the email, Robin candidly shares his firsthand experiences as a full-time composer, reflecting on both the difficulties he encountered and … Read more
Using Chord Arpeggios for a Melodic Idea Many composers create melodies using arpeggios. Some famous examples of arpeggio-driven melodies include the cello in Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony No. 3 (Movement 1), the brass in “The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme)” by John Williams, and sax in “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane. In more recent TV and … Read more
Introduction: Twelve-tone Technique The twelve-tone technique, also known as dodecaphony, is a method of composition that emerged in the early 20th century and revolutionized the world of classical music. Developed by Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg and his disciples, this technique sought to break away from the traditional tonal system and introduce a new approach to … Read more
Woodwind players, across a range of instruments such as the flute, clarinet, saxophone, and oboe, understand the vital role that breathing plays in their musical performance. From the first gentle inhale to the steady exhale, the art of controlled breathing is the foundation upon which their melodies and harmonies come alive. The way woodwind players … Read more
