Publication Date
4-2022
School
School of Music
Major
Music: Piano Performance
Keywords
music, cinematic arts, music analysis, film music, film scoring, cinema analysis, John Williams, emotions and music
Disciplines
Composition | Music Performance | Music Theory | Other Film and Media Studies
Recommended Citation
Hubbard, Hadlee Lane, "John Williams: Scoring and Interpreting Emotions in Film Music" (2022). Senior Honors Theses. 1218.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1218
Abstract
This research paper examines how John Williams’s film scores convey an emotional narrative to the audience. First, the literature review will discuss pertinent theories on film music and emotions informing the current research. The paper then establishes Williams’s composing style, and centers on his connection to the classical symphonic composers and to the film music of the Golden Age of Hollywood. The research then analyzes how John Williams’s music influences emotions in prominent scenes from several of his films including Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and The Empire Strikes Back. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion concerning how Williams’s film scores provide a lasting emotional influence on the audiences of these films.
Included in
Composition Commons, Music Performance Commons, Music Theory Commons, Other Film and Media Studies Commons
