Movie Soundtrack
A broad, film-centered category that stretches from silent-era accompaniment to modern soundtrack albums, with a history rooted in live performance and later standardized by synchronized sound.
Origins and context
The label grew out of film accompaniment practices in the silent era and became broadly standardized with the commercial rise of synchronized sound in late-1920s U.S. cinema. (guides.loc.gov)
The sound
Characteristics
- Orchestra
- Piano
- Organ
- Voice
- Studio ensemble
History
Film music began long before synchronized dialogue. In the silent era, screenings were commonly accompanied by live musicians, and the Library of Congress notes that cue sheets, photoplay albums, and other tools were created to help accompanists match music to action; a synchronized soundtrack only became practical in the late 1920s. (guides.loc.gov) The arrival of sound film turned soundtrack work into a central part of studio filmmaking, and the form kept expanding after that. Some films leaned on original scores, while others paired those scores with popular songs, helping soundtracks become both a storytelling device and, in many cases, a standalone album experience. (loc.gov)
Notable artists
- JWJohn Williams
- HZHans Zimmer
- EMEnnio Morricone
Essential listening
- 1
- 2
- 3
Explore connected genres
Sources and further reading
- Music for Silent Film: A Guide to Resources at the Library of Congress
- A Warming Flame—The Musical Presentation of Silent Films
- Apple Music
The Wizard of Oz soundtrack is documented on Apple Music and Spotify as a soundtrack release with specific track listings and artists.
- Apple Music
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere: The Soundtrack is documented on Apple Music and Spotify as a soundtrack release featuring a re-recorded classic score.
- Photoplay Albums for Silent Film Scores