A fearsome and beautiful masterpiece: Themes from terrifying film scores
The role that music plays in horror films and suspense dramas is incredibly significant and important.
There are ways to evoke fear through silence, of course, but iconic theme songs often have the power to make you feel fear from the melody alone, or instantly conjure vivid scenes from the film.
Here, we’re introducing a collection of terrifying yet beautiful masterpieces, centered on classic horror movies.
Many of these tracks transcend the category of “film themes” and are used in all sorts of contexts—you’ve likely heard quite a few of them at least once.
You might even discover, “So this was from that movie?”
By all means, turn off the lights and enjoy with headphones!
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Masterpieces That Are Both Frightening and Beautiful: Horror Film Music and Theme Songs (31–40)
Ghost StoryTakemitsu Tōru
Toru Takemitsu was born on January 8, 1930.
A self-taught musician, he developed avant-garde musical activities for film and television.
The film Kwaidan, released in 1965 (Showa 40), adapts four ghost stories from Lafcadio Hearn’s collection Kwaidan: “The Black Hair,” “The Snow Woman,” “Hoichi the Earless,” and “In a Cup of Tea.” The use of sound effects is exquisite, allowing viewers to vividly imagine the scenes of terror.
Terminator 2 theme songBrad Fiedel
This is the iconic theme from that classic film—one that almost inspires a sense of fear.
Many people recognize it within the first three seconds: yes, it’s the main theme from Terminator.
Its rhythm and its simple yet catchy melody make it a track that’s surprisingly deep when you really listen.
Be sure to listen all the way to the end!
Angel HeartTorevua Jōnzu
The background music from the 1986 film Angel Heart, set in New York City.
In this trailer, various sound effects are layered over the BGM, and its lo-fi sound quality—recorded with the technology of the time—heightens the sense of fear.
The BGM itself also amplifies a constant feeling of unease, as if something bad is about to happen.
VideodromeHaward Shore
Howard Shore: A Canadian musician who composes for American films.
Videodrome is a 1982 Canadian film directed by David Cronenberg.
Although the content is extremely cryptic, it is popular as a cult movie.
The mechanical sounds are intensely unsettling, and as you listen, there’s a kind of fear that makes you increasingly anxious.
The Elephant Manjon morisu
John Morris: October 18, 1926.
American composer.
The Elephant Man: A 1980 British-American co-produced film directed by David Lynch.
The quiet music in the scene where the surgeon Frederick Treves sees a disfigured adult at a freak show is deeply moving.
Scary and Beautiful Masterpieces: Horror Movie Music and Theme Songs (41–50)
Donaggio Bucket Of BloodPino Donajjio
The film Carrie is a 1976 work directed by Brian De Palma.
It’s a movie about a girl with telekinetic powers who takes revenge on her bullies.
The song featured in the film is by Italian singer-songwriter Pino Donaggio.
The strings in the latter half heighten the tension.
Sleeping Beauty / Forbidden PleasureBen Furosuto
The soundtrack of the film “Sleeping Beauty” (Forbidden Pleasure) features a famous masterpiece well known among classical pianists: Chopin’s Waltz No.
14 in E minor, Op.
posth.
While the film is closer to a literary work than a horror movie, it feels like this piece intensifies its unique sense of unease.
By the way, the film is based on Yasunari Kawabata’s classic novella “House of the Sleeping Beauties.”
