Define Cinematic Music | Types of Cinematic Music

Introduction

When it comes to music, there’s a lot of variety out there. And for filmmakers and video editors, that means a lot of choices to make when it comes time to score a scene or add music to a video. In this article, we will help you define cinematic music and give you some tips on how to use it effectively in your projects. From pulling inspiration from classic films to set the mood, we’ll cover it all. So read on and learn how to use cinematic music to elevate your videos and projects.


Here is the best Example of Cinematic Music

Song Name: Cinematic Music provided by: CREATORS GALLERY Copyright Free Music: Creative Commons


What is Cinematic music?

Cinematic music is the type of music that is typically used to accompany or emphasize the dramatic or emotional elements of movies. It can vary from simple background ambiance to full-blown score pieces and can be instrumental or vocal in nature.

 

Types of Cinematic Music

There are three main types of cinematic music:

underscoring, leitmotifs, and theme songs. Underlining occurs when musical themes or motifs are repeated over and over throughout a movie for added emphasis (think John Williams's iconic "Star Wars" Main Theme). Leitmotifs are more specific and limited in scope; they represent a single idea or character trait that emerges repeatedly throughout the film (think John Williams's memorable "A New Hope" leitmotifs). Theme songs, meanwhile, comprise entire compositions that play during key moments in a movie (think "The Little Mermaid" Suite or "Toy Story 3" Randy Newman song).

However, not all cinematic music falls neatly into one category. For instance, some underscore pieces may also include leitmotifs or theme songs, while other score pieces may only feature underlining. Additionally, different movies may use different styles of cinematic music – one might feature lush orchestral scores while another utilizes electronic instruments – so it's important to consider both the genre and the specific movie when trying to define cinematic music.

The Elements of Cinematic Music

Cinematic music is one of the most essential elements of the film, and yet it can be tricky to define. In this blog post, we'll explore the different aspects of cinematic music and how to define it.

Cinematic music has been around since the days of silent films, and its use has evolved over time. Today, cinematic music is often used to set the mood and create a sense of tension or anticipation in viewers. It can also help to convey the emotions of a character or scene.

There are many different types of cinematic music, but we'll only discuss a few here. The first type is underscored (or background score). This type of music is relatively simple and often consists solely of instruments like strings or pianos. It's typically used to add depth and atmosphere to scenes without taking center stage.

Another type of cinematic music is original soundtracks (OSTs). These songs are specifically written for films and usually feature lyrics as well as musical accompaniment. OSTs can be quite elaborate, featuring dozens or even hundreds of tracks that were recorded separately for each scene. They're often used to establish a certain tone or mood in a movie, much like underscore.

Finally, there's the theme music. This type of music plays over the opening credits sequence or throughout the entire movie while establishing the overall tone and feel of the film. It can be quite catchy and memorable, helping viewers recall specific scenes

How to Create Cinematic Music

Creating cinematic music can be a daunting task for even the most experienced composer. There are so many different elements to consider, and it can be difficult to know where to start. To help you get started, we’ve put together some tips on how to create cinematic music.

1. Start with a Theme

Before you start writing any music, you first need to come up with a theme or idea that will serve as the foundation for your entire soundtrack. This theme should be strong and memorable and should encapsulate what your movie is about. Once you have this core idea down, you can begin developing the rest of your soundtrack around it.

2. Use Cinematic Sounds and Effects

When creating cinematic music, it’s important to use sounds and effects that evoke the feeling of the movie's atmosphere. This could include things like rainfall or thunderstorms, dramatic orchestral melodies, or sound effects that suggest an action sequence or thriller scene.

3. Create Compelling Melodies

One of the most important aspects of creating cinematic music is making sure your melodies are compelling and emotive. You don’t want them to sound too cheesy or over-the-top; instead, aim for something that feels organic and naturalistic.

4. Use Dynamic Drumming Patterns

One way to add excitement and energy to your soundtrack is by using dynamic drumming patterns – these will change in intensity as the scene progresses, ensuring that the music stays engaging