FILM MUSIC

Term 1.1
Lesson 3

For today’s lesson you will need…

1. Pen and Paper 2. Computer speakers 3. A quiet place to work

or headphones
Today we will focus on how composers use pitch and dynamics to create
desired moods/effects.

HOW HIGH OR LOW A

PITCH
SOUND IS

HOW LOUD OR QUIET A

DYNAMICS
SOUND IS
 PITCH

Film composers can use pitch to create tension, mystery or to distinguish

between good an evil characters.

High pitch can be used for light, delicate moments. However, it can also be
used to create suspense, especially when accompanied by dissonance.

Low pitch can be used for dark, mysterious moments. However, it can also be
used to reflect large, heavy characters (often comically).
 ACTIVITY 3

Complete Activity 3 from your Film Music booklet. You should click on the
speaker to hear the extracts.
 DYNAMICS: KEY TERMS

Task: Write down as many words as you can that describe

the dynamics of a piece of music. Also consider words
which refer to a change in dynamics.
 DYNAMICS: KEY TERMS

• Here are some suggestions. Add any that you missed to your list.
 DESCRIBING DYNAMICS

When you listen to a piece of of music, you should be able to describe the dynamics. There are four steps
that will help you do this:
1. What is the dynamic at the start?
2. Does it change?
3. How does it change?
3. What is the dynamic at the end?

E.g. The except began piano. In the middle there was a crescendo and, by the end, the dynamics were
fortissimo.
 ACTIVITY 7

Complete Activity 7 from your Film Music booklet. When describing dynamics, remember to
use the four steps from the previous slide. You should click on the speaker to hear the extracts.
 LISTENING QUESTION

Link to the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIQ9F-PfHA4

Follow the link to hear an extract from a film called The Duchess. The film is about the Duchess of
Devonshire, a bright, popular aristocrat who is trapped in a failed marriage and faces personal conflicts -
including living with her husband's mistress and falling passionately in love with a young politician. 
Listen to the piece and answer the questions below:
1. Using your knowledge of the plot (see above), suggest what could be happening on screen during this
scene.
2. How has the composer used instruments to create an effect?
3. How do the dynamics change during the extract? What is the effect of this?
4. How does the pitch change during the extract? What is the effect of this?
 COMPARISON

Link to the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpaTP7uVxjQ

Listen to the next extract by following the link above. It is taken from a film called ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’,
an epic sci-fi action thriller.
Task: Write a paragraph comparing the music from this excerpt with the previous music from ‘The Duchess’.
You should comment on the composers’ use of dynamics, pitch, instruments and any other relevant musical
decisions.
Success Criteria…
- Be specific: say exactly where in the extracts you are
referring you.
- Use musical terms
- Write equally about both extracts
- Discuss and compare the effect of the composer’s
musical decisions.
 HOMEWORK

1. Read the ‘The Independent Life of a Film Score’ sheet at the back of your
booklet. Then answer the questions on the left on lined paper.