These two terms (score and soundtrack) are both found in films, but often are seen as the same thing. While both of them refer to music used within a film, there is a big difference in their meanings.
Scores in a film
Classical-music.com defines scores as a piece of original music, usually instrumental, which is written specifically for a film (2020). Such scores are symbolic and they become so popular that people may hear about them, even though they may not have watched the film. These scores tend to be performed by an orchestra, however such tradition seems to be changing with time (What is the difference between a film score and film soundtrack?, 2020). Apart from simply being symbolic, scores are also fundamental in setting the film's tone, build tension and conveying emotion (Mitchell-Baker, 2017).
One well-known score is the 1939 film Gone with The Wind, which is also known as Tara's theme, composed by Max Steiner. Personally, I have heard it without hearing about the film. I found out this information as I was doing my research for this blog post.
Another popular score is Ennio Morricone's main theme for the 1986's film The Mission. It is factual that such uplifting score took popularity on its own, and is widely used for various purposes nowadays.
Soundtracks
This term used in film is more well known, since it is the music used in a film, it can be background, songs, or sound effects which are commercially released for the public. Such music is not composed randomly, simply to add some spice to the film, but it is well thought and composed in relation to what happens during the film right at the time where it will be placed. A good soundtrack in a film can act as symbolic for the scenes where the songs are played.
One of the soundtracks which I personally like is the one of James Bond 007 - The World is Not Enough. Personally, simply by hearing the songs which make up the soundtrack, I can remember the scenes one by one, and this is just by hearing the music. What I find intriguing is the sharpness of this soundtrack which is able to help the viewer to anticipate what will happen in the film, and also play with his emotions, putting him into some kind of bias in terms of opinion.
In fact, the music that was blended with the opening scene, is one of those that I cannot remove from my head. The music starts by building this sort of tension anticipating that Bond will do something crazy of his own. Then, it lowers down till he storms from the building with this special Bond boat, to catch this woman who has exploded the bomb. The music keeps perfectly in synchronization with what is going on screen. For example, when he goes underwater and arranges the bow tie, the music slows down together with the visual, keeping the viewers ears working together with his eyes.
References
Mitchell-Baker, D., 2017. The Importance Of A Soundtrack To A Film. [online] The Edge. Available at: <https://www.theedgesusu.co.uk/features/2017/03/12/the-importance-of-a-soundtrack-to-a-film/> [Accessed 24 January 2022].
Classical Music. 2020. What Is The Difference Between A Film Score And Film Soundtrack?. [online] Available at: <https://www.classical-music.com/features/articles/what-is-the-difference-between-a-film-score-and-film-soundtrack/> [Accessed 24 January 2022].
Comments