- The purpose of horror music is to create tension, which either mirrors what is happening on screen or can add another dimension to it, thus creating an atmosphere, which may juxtapose what is happening on screen.
- Over the years, horror music has developed in ways which have made it possible to define certain movies by their soundtrack (for example the famous shower scene in 'Psycho')
Features of Music
- Key features of horror music include clashing, unresolved dissonances, a drone which is repetitive (usually created by a bass or synthesiser) or 'stingers' (blasts of sound which may catch us by surprise). These, as suggested by Neil Lerner, may take us back to when these types of noises would alert us to danger in the wild, such as predators or other such threats.
- Many films use instruments that could be associated to themes within the film, two examples are 'Carnival of Souls' and 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' which both use organ and are associated to religion and funerals, themes within the films.
- Taking 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' as an example, it has been noted how the use of organ adds another dimension to the film which otherwise is not seen in the book. It is a direct reference to Henry Jekyll and shows his wealth and contrast through piety and goodness from Mr Hyde'.
- In 1931, films such as Dracula and Frankenstein contained limited music, however 'Bride of Frankenstein' (1935) is deemed to be the first ever actual score for a horror movie.
- The 1950's,60's and 70's saw scoring that was often pacey and frenetic with James Bernard being viewed as the primary composer for the eras.
- This was maintained and landmarked by Bernard Herrmann's score for 'Psycho' in 1960
- In 1970 the movement began to grow again and a new selection of instruments were used, with electronic being the popular choice
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