The Use of Tonality in Film Music

Understanding Tonality in Film Music

Tonality in music refers to the key in which a piece or a section of it is composed. This could be major (happy or triumphant), minor (sad or ominous), chromatic or atonal.
The use of major or minor keys can directly affect the mood of a scene, enhancing emotions and manipulating viewer responses. Major keys tend to indicate positive emotions, while minor keys suggest negative ones.
Atonal music, which lacks a tonal centre or key, often creates an unsettling or ambiguous atmosphere and is commonly used in suspense or horror genres.
Chromatic music uses notes which are not typically part of the diatonic scale. This can create tension, melancholy, or exoticism.

Manipulating Tonality in Film Music

Composers frequently shift tonality to match on-screen developments. A sudden shift from major to minor, known as a modal change, can dramatically highlight a turn of events or alert the audience to danger.
The use of non-diatonic scales such as the whole-tone, pentatonic, or diminished scales can introduce unfamiliar or mystical elements, suggesting a departure from normality or the intrusion of the supernatural.
Gradual key changes or modulations can subtly alter the mood over the course of a scene, building tension or anticipation.

Importance of Tonality in Film Music

Understanding the role of tonality in film music enriches appreciation of how music communicates emotion and narrative.
Identifying tonal qualities and shifts helps in discerning the role of music in storytelling, setting, and character development.
Recognising the impact of tonality supports a deeper engagement with the film’s musical language and interpretive power.

Key Takeaways

Comprehending the application of tonality in film music gives insight into the composer’s craft and the intricate relationship between visual and musical elements.
Accurate identification of tonal aspects strengthens analytical skills and enhances your grasp of the music’s narrative function.