Alex Silver
My Project involves scoring "The Birds" feature film, which originally had no score.
While my thesis focuses on how music enhances the emotional perception of a film, and covers in-depth research and analysis of stylistic compositional approaches and methods by Bernard Herrmann and John Williams.
This project aims to not only enhance the iconic thriller with the accompaniment of an original score but also to develop my own original style of composing for film using both these composers' collected works for inspiration only.
Objectives -
Research methods and techniques used by Bernard Herrmann and John Williams.
Apply these methods and techniques with my own style of composition.
Utilise advanced compositional techniques in instrumentation and orchestration.
Achieve a professional-sounding mock-up of the full original score.
The score shows an integration of methods and techniques adapted from both influential composers, while remaining true to my own stylistic and unique style of composing.
Positive feedback was received when shown comparisons of scenes with and without an original score.
The primary focus of this thesis has been to explore how the role of an accompanying score can enhance as well as influence a film's emotional impact.
The film chosen to allow this creative process in composing was Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, a film which originally lacked a traditional score.
Through extensive research conducted on two influential composers, Bernard Herrmann and John Williams, their methods, techniques and styles of composition were analysed to provide insight on how to approach the scoring process.
When beginning the scoring process, Williams' thematic approach of working through ideas on the piano proved valuable in many ways. The use of a single instrument helped create a sense of focus, allowing the creative flow to unfold more naturally while translating the emotions needed for characters.
In relation to Herrmann, influences were drawn from his orchestration with strings, his distinctive style of harmonisation, and use of dissonance to enhance suspenseful moments. His techniques on structuring, motifs, leitmotifs and ostinatos significantly influenced the approach to guiding tension throughout the entire scoring process.
Ultimately, all the methods and techniques explored and developed throughout the compositional scoring process demonstrate that an attentively crafted score is essential in shaping a film's emotional impact, and these insights will continue to refine future compositional projects across all forms of scoring.
(Download Thesis)
Alex Silver is a composer with a diverse musical background, beginning with performing in indie, rock and metal bands and then for many years focused on producing electronic music. These experiences have shaped a unique approach to composition, blending modern and classical elements. In his first year of college, Silver transitioned into the realm of orchestral composition when introduced to psychoacoustics and the study of how music in film can influence and enhance emotional perception. His final year project involves scoring a full feature film to Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds", merging his diverse background with a passion for cinematic music.
