It’s fair to say that certain movie music themes and soundtracks have turned out to be as timeless and enduring as the films they were made for. Songs or music pieces can help enhance the production value of a film as well as underlining the main themes and the general mood of the plot. Here is a list of a few of our favourites at School of Popular Music that we’re sure are just as memorable to you.

The Godfather – Nino Rota

How could we possibly start without mentioning what is arguably the most recognisable music themes of all time? Rota’s mournful, dark and looming compositions are the perfect accompaniment to the rise and fall of Michael Corleone. The themes of the American Dream and Sicilian tradition within the film merge perfectly with Rota’s blend of jazz and Italian popular song.

A Clockwork Orange – Wendy Carlos

Unsettling and eerie as the dystopian society in which the film is set, the music of A Clockwork Orange is a unique mix of classical music and electronic synths. Classical music is actually a major plot point in the film’s storyline; the protagonist’s favourite composer is none other than Ludwig van Beethoven. Having said that, the film’s signature track is undeniably the synthesised version of Henry Purcell’s Funeral March for Queen Mary.

The James Bond theme – Monty Norman

Although the original has been updated for modern times, the soundtrack remains as dashing, classy and dangerous as ever. The composition is derived from a song from the Indian stage musical A House for Mr. Baswas. Norman adapted Good Sign, Bad Sign using nine brass instruments, five saxophones, a rhythm section and a solo guitar.

The Star Wars theme – John Williams

Sitting down to a new Star Wars movie wouldn’t be half as exciting without the grand, swashbuckling theme accompanying the famously yellow opening titles. Because Williams played the bass when he was young, the theme was composed of strong bass sections; it also followed the same key as the Fox Fanfare (B-flat major) as this piece of music was such an integral part of the final result.

The Lord of the Rings soundtrack – Howard Shore

Shore’s score, which was created for perhaps the most famous film trilogy of the 21st century so far, has garnered him worldwide acclaim. It varies from lilting and harmonious for the innocence of the hobbits to dark and foreboding for the evils of Mordor and Sauron. Shore is said to have created over 100 leitmotifs to suit the different cultures and peoples of Middle Earth, creating the most intricate collection of music themes ever recorded in film history.
If you’re interested in learning how to play this music yourself, contact the School of Popular Music for music lessons, guitar lessons and general music tuition in Guernsey. We cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced learners.
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